PEG-8
Mid-weight polyethylene glycol – a humectant solvent and solubilizer. Helps blend water- and oil-soluble components and softens the texture. 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-8 is polyethylene glycol with a molecular weight around 400 (8 ethylene oxide units). INCI: PEG-8 or Polyethylene Glycol 400. A colorless viscous liquid that dissolves well in water. In pharmacology it is used as Macrogol-400. In cosmetics it works as a solubilizer, humectant and texture modifier: it holds water in the formula, helps dissolve solid and crystalline actives, and makes the texture more slippery. Use levels run from 1 to 10%. It is usually part of the water phase in creams, serums and micellar waters. Pregnancy safety. Skin absorption into the systemic circulation is minimal; oral PEG-400 (Macrogol) is approved during pregnancy as an osmotic laxative. CIR rates the safety profile as acceptable. Skin profile. Low irritation and allergen potential. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for all skin types. On severely damaged skin PEG components could in theory increase the absorption of other substances – but this matters only for medicated formulations, not household cosmetics. No active effects.
Frequently asked questions
Is PEG-8 safe during pregnancy?
PEG-8 is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is PEG-8 for?
PEG-8 suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is PEG-8 and what does it do in cosmetics?
Mid-weight polyethylene glycol – a humectant solvent and solubilizer.
Is PEG-8 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-8 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-8 Beeswax, PEG-8 Dimethicone, PEG-8 Laurate, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Undecyl Dimethyl Oxazoline, CI 14700 (Red 4), Hydroxyapatite
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