What it is
A short polyethylene glycol polymer with an average of eight ethylene oxide units, a clear viscous liquid.
What it does
Humectant, solvent, and skin conditioning agent.
Why it’s a concern
Small-molecule PEGs can penetrate compromised or damaged skin and may enhance penetration of other ingredients. Contamination with 1,4-dioxane is the main documented concern; consumer reports have repeatedly found it in products using PEG-8.
Also known as
polyethylene glycol 400PEG 400
CAS numbers
25322-68-3
Commonly found in
lotioncosmeticstoothpaste
Safer alternatives
- vegetable glycerin
- propanediol from corn
Related chemical families
Sources
- CIR Assessment of PEGs