Is Methoxy PEG-16 safe in cosmetics?
Methoxy PEG-16 has a safety rating of "MODERATE" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
MODERATE
Cosmetic Ingredient
Methoxy PEG-16
INCI: METHOXY PEG-16
Methoxy PEG-16 (CAS 9004-74-4 (generic methoxy polyethylene glycol series)) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Solvent, humectant, consistency modifier - liquid to wax-like at ~16 EO units. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
CAS Number
9004-74-4 (generic methoxy polyethylene glycol series)
View industrial chemical safety profile →
Function
Solvent, humectant, consistency modifier - liquid to wax-like at ~16 EO units (~700 g/mol)
Editorial assessment
MODERATE
Preliminary editorial note — not a computed safety verdict.
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
Allowed - falls under the general PEG family reviewed by CIR as safe
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Methoxy PEG-16.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Editorial summary
Preliminary editorial summary for Methoxy PEG-16 — not a computed safety verdict. See the sourced toxicological data above.
Regulatory Flags
peg-ingredient
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Methoxy PEG-16 allowed in the EU?
Methoxy PEG-16 EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Methoxy PEG-16 do in cosmetics?
Methoxy PEG-16 functions as: Solvent, humectant, consistency modifier - liquid to wax-like at ~16 EO units (~700 g/mol). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 9004-74-4 (generic methoxy polyethylene glycol series).
Compliance Tools
Check Methoxy PEG-16 compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
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Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
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Heavy Metal Limits
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