Is PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides natural? NOI 0.59

Q: Is PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides natural?

PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides has a Natural Origin Index (NOI) of 0.59 (scale 0–1) per ISO 16128. Glycerin and coconut/palm-kernel-derived caprylic/capric acids are natural; the ethylene-oxide chain is petrochemical. An NOI of 0.59 means 59% of its molecular mass is traceable to a natural, renewable source.

How we scored it

Assume glycerin+2 FA (avg C9, 158 Da natural each) diester ~374 Da natural + 6 EO ~264 Da (petrochemical) / total 637 Da ~ 0.59 (mono/di mix, approximate).

What counts. ISO 16128-2 scores the atoms that remain in the final ingredient. Reagents, solvents, catalysts and protecting groups used during manufacture leave no mass behind and are not counted.

Where it comes from

Glycerin and caprylic/capric acids are typically derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, reacted with fossil-derived ethylene oxide. The exact mono/di/triglyceride ratio varies by supplier, so this is an approximate representative structure.

In plain English

An emulsifier and mild surfactant made from coconut- or palm-kernel-derived fatty acids attached to glycerin and a short petrochemical ethylene-oxide chain. Helps blend oils into water-based formulas.

CosIng definition: Mono-, di- and triglycerides, C8-10, ethoxylated (6 mol EO average molar ratio)

Natural alternatives with the same function

Arachidic Acid 100% natural origin

A waxy fatty acid from peanut and other vegetable oils, used to thicken formulas and give creams and…

Arachidyl Glucoside 100% natural origin

A gentle, sugar-based emulsifier used in creams and lotions to stabilize formulas without harsh surfactants. It's made from…

Behenic Acid 100% natural origin

A long-chain fatty acid from vegetable oil, used to thicken and stabilise creams and conditioners. It is extracted…

C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside 100% natural origin

A mild, sugar-based cleansing and emulsifying surfactant made by combining plant-derived fatty alcohols (coconut/palm) with glucose from starch.…

C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside 100% natural origin

A mild, sugar-based cleansing ingredient made from coconut or palm fatty alcohols and glucose; helps cleanse skin and…

C18-36 Acid 100% natural origin

A blend of long-chain plant fatty acids used as a mild cleanser and thickener, giving body and a…

References

1ISO 16128-1:2016 and ISO 16128-2:2017 — Guidelines on technical definitions and criteria for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients and products. ISO, Geneva.
2PEG-6 CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC GLYCERIDES. CosIng — European Commission cosmetic ingredient database. ec.europa.eu/cosing ↗
3PEG-6 CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC GLYCERIDES. CosIng u2014 European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/search?search=PEG-6%20CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC%20GLYCERIDES