Common Name(s): Peg-7,peg-7,polyethylene glycol low mw,humectant co-solvent emulsifier
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides hygroscopic moisture retention and co-solvent activity for active ingredient dissolution from the polyether backbone's multiple ether oxygen water-binding groups.
Why It's Used: Peg molecular weight determines primary function: low mw (co-solvent/humectant), medium mw (emulsifier/solubiliser), high mw (film-former/thickener) โ enabling the same chemical class to address multiple formulation needs across the mw range.
How It Works: Peg ether oxygens (1 per chโchโo repeat unit) provide 2-3 h-bond acceptors per unit โ the chain of ether oxygens binding water molecules creating the hygroscopic character. at low mw (liquid state), provides co-solvent dissolution; at high mw (waxy solid), provides film-forming character through chain entanglement.
Typically Found In: Versatile formulations
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ cosmetic active
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ20%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
1,4-dioxane contamination monitoring: ethylene oxide polymerisation generates trace 1,4-dioxane โ eu and us regulations require <10 ppm in finished products. supplier coa confirming dioxane level is required for regulatory compliance.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,peg-7 peg polyethylene glycol review