The Basics On Polyethylene
What is Polyethylene?
A form of plastic (synthetic polymer) used for many different cosmetic applications.
What are other names for Polyethylene?
ETHENE, HOMOPOLYMER, ETHYLENE POLYMER; POLYETHYLENE, HIGH MELTING POINT POLYETHYLENE POWDER, HOMOPOLYMER ETHENE, POLYETHYLENE, POLYETHYLENE POWDER, and POLYETHYLENE WAX
What is Polyethylene used for?
anti-bacterial, emulsifiePolyethylene glycol, also called PEG, is glycol related compound commonly found in skin care formulations. It is a polymer and a polyether compound with many applications from industrial manufacturing to medicine. PEG is a flexible, water-soluble polymer, it can be used to increase the viscosity of skin care formulations.r, ThickenerPEGs (polyethylene glycols) are widely used in cosmetics. They are not active ingredients as such but are used as thickeners, emulsifiers, solvents, softeners, and moisture-carriers. PEGs are commonly used as cosmetic cream bases and can be found in many formulations. PEG has been shown to have anti-microbial properties1,2 which are of benefit in skincare formulations.
How Polyethylene is classified
Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients, Scrub Agents
Recommendations for using Polyethylene during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Limited data suggests no known risk
Polyethylene During Pregnancy
What we know about using Polyethylene while pregnant or breastfeeding
Limited information available.
N/A
General safety info about Polyethylene from CIR
No report found.
Use this, not that!
Products where you might find Polyethylene
Origins Dr. Andrew Weil For Origins Mega-Bright SPF 30 Skin Tone Correcting Oil-Free Moisturizer; Farmacy Mini Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm; Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm;Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm;
List of References
General sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
1. Carreira C, dos S, Jorge A, Lage-Marques J. Antimicrobial effect of intracanal substances. J Appl Oral Sci. 2007;15(5):453-458. [PubMed] 2. Nalawade T, Bhat K, Sogi S. Bactericidal activity of propylene glycol, glycerine, polyethylene glycol 400, and polyethylene glycol 1000 against selected microorganisms. J Int Soc Prev Community Dent. 2015;5(2):114-119. [PubMed] 3. Polyethylene Gylcol. EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/704983/POLYETHYLENE_GLYCOL/. Published 2018. Accessed October 2018.
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
