Is Polyethylene Terephthalate safe in cosmetics?
Polyethylene Terephthalate has a safety rating of "GOOD" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Good
Cosmetic Ingredient
Polyethylene Terephthalate
Also known as: Polyesters, polyethylene terephthalate, Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyloxycarbonyl-1,4-phenylenecarbonyl), Poly(oxyethyleneoxyterephthaloyl), 1,4-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, dimethyl ester, polymer with 1,2-ethanediol, 1,4-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, polymer with 1,2-ethanediol (+14 more)
INCI: POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE
Polyethylene Terephthalate (CAS 25038-59-9) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Adhesive, Film former, Hair fixative, Viscosity-increasing agent (nonaqueous). EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 25038-59-9 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
Adhesive, Film former, Hair fixative, Viscosity-increasing agent (nonaqueous)
Safety Rating
GOOD
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
CIR reviewed (2014) - safe as used; FDA food-contact cleared
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 Terephthalate.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Adhesion/cohesion promoter
Anti-redeposition agent
Binder
Diluent
Dispersing agent
Film former
Flame retardant
Hair fixative
Heat stabilizer
Monomers
Regulatory List Membership (2)
EU Restricted for Children (Cosmetics)
FDA Indirect Food Contact Additives
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Polyethylene Terephthalate.
Regulatory Flags
eu_children_restricted
Known Synonyms
Polyesters, polyethylene terephthalate
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyloxycarbonyl-1,4-phenylenecarbonyl)
Poly(oxyethyleneoxyterephthaloyl)
1,4-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, dimethyl ester, polymer with 1,2-ethanediol
1,4-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, polymer with 1,2-ethanediol
Bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate homopolymer, sru
Dimethyl terephthalate-1,2-ethanediol polymer, SRU
Crisper White G 1212-188
Crystar 4415-675
Crystalay
Daitac UVPET 50FL-YM
Daitac UVPET Transparent 25FL
Destex TPC 3000
Divinyl terephthalate-ethylene glycol copolymer, SRU
Eastman Polyester F 53HC
Ethylene glycol-terephthalic chloride copolymer, SRU
EC No.: 607-507-1
EC No.: 924-655-5
Pegoterate
Chemical Function
Adhesion/cohesion promoter
Film former
Anti-redeposition agent
Hair fixative
Thickening agent
Binder
Regulatory Lists
Food contact items
Indirect additives food contact (10/2018)
inert_ingredient; Pesticides
inert_ingredient; non_food_use; Pesticides
children; Europe; Personal care
children; Europe; Personal care - specialized bath products - bath salts
children; Europe; Personal care - body hygiene - body wash
children; Europe; Personal care - specialized bath products - bubble bath
Cleaning products and household care - laundry and fabric treatment - laundry detergent; Europe
Cleaning products and household care; Europe
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Polyethylene Terephthalate allowed in the EU?
Polyethylene Terephthalate EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Polyethylene Terephthalate do in cosmetics?
Polyethylene Terephthalate functions as: Adhesive, Film former, Hair fixative, Viscosity-increasing agent (nonaqueous). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 25038-59-9.
Compliance Tools
Check Polyethylene Terephthalate compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
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