A polyethylene glycol chain of 10 units end-capped with propylene glycol. Functions as a water-soluble humectant and solvent in cosmetic formulations. It attracts and retains moisture on the skin surface, improves product spreadability, and helps dissolve other cosmetic ingredients. Used in a wide range of products from toners to moisturizers.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Effective humectant — draws moisture to the skin and helps maintain hydration
+ Improves product texture — enhances spread and slip in aqueous formulations
+ Solvent properties — helps dissolve actives and preservatives in water-based products
Pros
+ CIR-reviewed — PEG compounds considered safe for cosmetic use
+ Non-comedogenic — will not cause breakouts
+ Water-soluble — easy to formulate with
+ Low irritation at typical use levels (1-10%)
Cons
− Can be drying at very high concentrations if used alone without occlusives
− Synthetic — not for natural formulations
− PEG content — ethoxylation impurity risk
Specifications
Property
Value
Usage Areas
Face, Eye, Body
Product Type
Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source
Synthetic
Natural Level
Synthetic
Safety Ratings
Metric
Rating
Skin Sensitivity
1/5 (very low)
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
EWG Score
1/10
Regional Regulatory Limits
Region
Leave-on %
Rinse-off %
Status
EU (CosIng)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
Japan (MHLW)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
ASEAN
No limit
No limit
Allowed
China (NMPA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
Typical Usage % by Product Type
Product Type
Typical %
Toners
1-5%
Serums
1-5%
Moisturizers
1-10%
References
CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) — Safety Assessment of PEG and PEG Derivatives as Used in Cosmetics. Published in International Journal of Toxicology.
CosIng (2025) — European Commission Cosmetic Ingredient Database. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
EWG Skin Deep — Cosmetic Ingredient Hazard Score. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) — INCI Monograph and Safety Data.