Is Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) safe in cosmetics?
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) has a safety rating of "GOOD" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Good
Cosmetic Ingredient
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
INCI: PEG-*N*
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) (CAS 25322-68-3 (parent polymer)) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Humectant, solvent, viscosity controlling, surfactant, emulsifier (varies by. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 25322-68-3 (parent polymer) →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
Humectant, solvent, viscosity controlling, surfactant, emulsifier (varies by molecular weight)
Safety Rating
GOOD
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
CIR-reviewed: PEGs across a broad molecular weight range (200–10,000+), their ethers, and fatty acid esters are deemed safe for cosmetic use
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Polyethylene Glycol (PEG).
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Polyethylene Glycol (PEG).
Regulatory Flags
peg-ingredient
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) allowed in the EU?
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) do in cosmetics?
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) functions as: Humectant, solvent, viscosity controlling, surfactant, emulsifier (varies by molecular weight). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 25322-68-3 (parent polymer).
Compliance Tools
Check Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
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