Peg

The Basics On Peg

What is Peg?

PEG is the acronym for polyethylene glycol. Polyethylene is the most common form of plastic, and when combined with glycol, it becomes a thick and sticky liquid. PEGs are usually followed by a number, which represents the approximate molecular weight of that compound. (Cosmetics usually use PEGs with smaller molecular weights because it’s easier for these compounds to penetrate the skin.)

What are other names for Peg?

PEG-7 and POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL

What is Peg used for?

PEGs function in three ways: as emollients (which help soften and lubricate the skin), as emulsifiers (which help water-based and oil-based ingredients mix properly), and as vehicles that help deliver other ingredients deeper into the skin.

How Peg is classified

Cleansing Agents, Emollients

Recommendations for using Peg during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Avoid

 

Peg During Pregnancy

What we know about using Peg while pregnant or breastfeeding

Limited information available.

No DART studies on the PEG propylene glycol esters were found in the published literature, and unpublished data were not provided. “According to a report in the International Journal of Toxicology by the cosmetic industry’s own Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) committee, impurities found in various PEG compounds include ethylene oxide; 1,4-dioxane; polycyclic aromatic compounds; and heavy metals such as lead, iron, cobalt, nickel, cadmium, and arsenic. Many of these impurities are linked to cancer. The primary concern is that they can contain problematic impurities such as ethylene oxide and 1,4 dioxane. Both of these are by-products from the manufacturing process, not something natural to any form of PEG. Although this was once a concern, reputable cosmetic ingredient suppliers have long since eliminated these impurities from the finished ingredient, which makes PEGs safe for skin.

What is most notable about the various forms of PEG studied to date is they have been shown to be non-irritating for skin or eyes, even when used in concentrations greater than what most skin care products contain. PEGs also widely considered non-toxic because they do not penetrate intact skin. However, as is true for even the gentlest ingredients, when skin is inflamed or compromised, the risk of irritation is increased.

If you’ve seen conflicting information about PEG ingredients, it’s important to know that the conclusions were not applicable to how PEGs are used in skin care products. These studies involved feeding a large amount of PEG to animals or applying very high doses (literally hundreds of magnitudes greater than what is used in topical products) to mouse skin.

General safety info about Peg from CIR

These seven ingredients mostly function as surfactants and skin-conditioning agents. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel reviewed relevant data related to these ingredients. Because there was little data on these ingredients, the Panel relied on other CIR reports on related ingredients, the moieties, and component parts of these ingredients for read across and information purposes. The Panel agreed that the caveat from the previous safety assessment, that ingredients containing PEGs should not be used on damaged skin, should be removed. The Panel concluded that these PEG propylene glycol esters are safe as used

Use this, not that!

Coming soon!

Products where you might find Peg

Electric Microneedle Derma Pen System (4 piece); ORA Microneedle Derma Pen System (1 kit); Dr. Hauschka Neem Nail and Cuticle Pen (0.13 fl. oz.); Ellis Faas Skin Veil Foundation Pen – S104 Medium (3 piece); Jouer Cosmetics Essential High Coverage Concealer Pen; Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm; Bumble and bumble Thickening Dryspun Volume Texture Spray; Bumble and bumble Thickening Dryspun Volume Texture Spray