PEG-80 methyl glucose laurate is a chemical compound, the polyethylene glycol ether of the diester of lauric acid and methyl glucose.The number next to PEG (Polyethylene glycol) indicates the units of ethylene oxide.

Methyl glucose (methyl α-d-glucopyranoside) is composed of glucose with a methyl ether group. It is produced by transesterification techniques.

What it is used for and where it is used

Cosmetics

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities.

Surfactant - Solubilising agent. Solubilisation facilitates the diffusion and transport of many cosmetic ingredients, even in the form of microemulsions, on the stratum corneum, improving the effectiveness of formulations.

Safety 

The term 'eth' refers to the ethoxylation process (reaction with ethylene oxide) after which residues of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, chemical compounds considered carcinogenic, may remain in the final product. It depends on the degree of purity resulting from the completed reaction.

It is an ethoxylated product, but since 90 ethylene oxide units are not easily absorbed through the stratum corneum, it seems unlikely that skin penetration would cause damage.

: