In our reference data, PEG-4 Dilaurate can feed Malassezia (fungal acne).
PEG-4 Dilaurate is a polyethylene glycol ester of lauric acid used as a nonionic emulsifier and emollient to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It serves as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional transient redness or stinging, more likely on compromised skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization is uncommon but reported with PEG-based emulsifiers. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can cause irritation if products contact the eyes. |
| Enhanced penetration of other ingredients | Rare | PEG surfactants may increase absorption of co-formulated substances on damaged skin. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.