PEG-12
Mid-weight polyethylene glycol – a solvent and humectant. Pregnancy-safe.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
PEG-12 is polyethylene glycol with a molecular weight around 600 (12 ethylene oxide units). INCI: PEG-12. A solvent and humectant for toners, emulsions and micellar waters. Use levels run from 1 to 10%. Pregnancy-safe, low irritation potential.
Frequently asked questions
Is PEG-12 safe during pregnancy?
PEG-12 is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is PEG-12 for?
PEG-12 suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is PEG-12 and what does it do in cosmetics?
Mid-weight polyethylene glycol – a solvent and humectant.
Is PEG-12 comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
See PEG-12 in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
PEG-12 Dimethicone, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Trioleate, PEG-14M, PPG-6-Decyltetradeceth-30, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Carmine, Glyceryl Oleate Citrate
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