Mid-weight polyethylene glycol – a humectant solvent and solubilizer. Helps blend water- and oil-soluble components and softens the texture. Pregnancy-safe.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
Functional PEG solubilizer. Safety confirmed by CIR and pharmacopoeia.
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.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora 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.
PEG-8 is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
PEG-8 suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
Mid-weight polyethylene glycol – a humectant solvent and solubilizer.
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
Published: · updated: