A polyether compound made from 8 moles of ethylene oxide and 2 moles of propylene oxide combined with propylheptyl alcohol. Used as a solubilizing agent and light emollient in cosmetic products, it improves the sensory feel of water-based and emulsion formulations by reducing drag and tackiness during application.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Smooth application feel — reduces friction when applying serums and lotions
+ Aids in dissolving hydrophobic ingredients — useful in hydrating mists with oils
+ Light conditioning effect — leaves a barely-perceptible silky film
Pros
+ CIR safety-reviewed — considered safe in current cosmetic usage
+ Non-comedogenic — suitable for oily and acne-prone skin
+ Low irritation potential — well-tolerated in leave-on products
+ Good compatibility with most cosmetic ingredients
Cons
− Limited peer-reviewed data — safety profile inferred from class review
− Synthetic — incompatible with natural product claims
− Ethoxylated ingredient — potential for trace contaminants if manufacturing is substandard
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 / facial mists
0.5-3%
Serums
0.5-2%
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.