Moderate Cosmetic Ingredient

Methoxy PEG-10

INCI: METHOXY PEG-10

CAS Number
9004-74-4 (generic polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether series). The "10" indicates ~10 ethylene oxide units (avg. MW ~500 g/mol).
Function
Humectant, solvent, viscosity controlling. Liquid PEGs of this molecular weight range serve as solvents and humectants.
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Allowed. PEGs have been assessed as safe for cosmetic use by CIR.

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
low
Sensitization
low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Expert Verdict

PEGs can enhance skin penetration of other substances; potential for 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide contamination as manufacturing impurities. Claudia Fruijtier-Pölloth's 2005 safety assessment confirmed general safety of PEGs and derivatives at cosmetic use levels.. Water-soluble, non-greasy liquid; functions as a glycerol substitute in formulations.

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Concern Level: Moderate

Regulatory Flags

peg-ingredient

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Methoxy PEG-10 safe in cosmetics?

PEGs can enhance skin penetration of other substances; potential for 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide contamination as manufacturing impurities. Claudia Fruijtier-Pölloth's 2005 safety assessment confirmed general safety of PEGs and derivatives at cosmetic use levels.. Water-soluble, non-greasy liquid; functions as a glycerol substitute in formulations. The EU classifies Methoxy PEG-10 as "permitted". Safety rating: MODERATE.

Is Methoxy PEG-10 allowed in the EU?

Methoxy PEG-10 EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Methoxy PEG-10 do in cosmetics?

Methoxy PEG-10 functions as: Humectant, solvent, viscosity controlling. Liquid PEGs of this molecular weight range serve as solvents and humectants.. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 9004-74-4 (generic polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether series). The "10" indicates ~10 ethylene oxide units (avg. MW ~500 g/mol)..

What is the Margin of Safety for Methoxy PEG-10?

not established The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

Compliance Tools

Check Methoxy PEG-10 compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
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Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
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Heavy Metal Limits
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