PEG-6
Short-chain polyethylene glycol. Works as a humectant, solvent, and carrier for other ingredients, mixing with both water and some oils. No standalone effects, well tolerated, 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, Oily, Combination, Dry, Sensitive
About this ingredient
PEG-6 is a short-chain polyethylene glycol, on average six ethylene-oxide units long. The number in the name is the number of units. INCI: PEG-6. Formerly named polyethylene glycol 300. In a formula it covers several technical jobs: it holds water as a humectant, dissolves poorly soluble ingredients, acts as a base and carrier for actives, and adjusts texture. It mixes well with water and some oils, which makes it handy across formats from creams to cleansers. Pregnancy safety. PEGs penetrate intact skin poorly, so systemic absorption is negligible. There are no teratogenicity data for topical use. They can be used during pregnancy and lactation. Tolerance. On healthy skin, irritation and allergen potential are low. On a damaged barrier (burns, weeping areas) PEG penetration is higher, and there they are treated with more caution. As with all ethoxylated ingredients, there is a 1,4-dioxane impurity caveat that is removed in manufacturing; CIR rates residual levels as acceptable. PEG-6 has no standalone skincare effects. It is a functional base of the formula.
Frequently asked questions
Is PEG-6 safe during pregnancy?
PEG-6 is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is PEG-6 for?
PEG-6 suits: normal, oily, combination, dry, sensitive.
What is PEG-6 and what does it do in cosmetics?
Short-chain polyethylene glycol.
Is PEG-6 comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for PEG-6?
The INCI name is PEG-6. It may also appear as: Polyethylene Glycol 300, Hexaethylene Glycol.
See PEG-6 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
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