Regulatory Status
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Safety Data
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Expert Verdict
1,4-Dioxane and ethylene oxide are potential impurities from the ethoxylation process; manufacturers must minimize these. Should not be used on damaged skin. PEG castor oils have been linked to anaphylactic reactions via intravenous route, which is not relevant for topical cosmetic use.
Regulatory Flags
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) safe in cosmetics?
1,4-Dioxane and ethylene oxide are potential impurities from the ethoxylation process; manufacturers must minimize these. Should not be used on damaged skin. PEG castor oils have been linked to anaphylactic reactions via intravenous route, which is not relevant for topical cosmetic use. The EU classifies Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) as "permitted". Safety rating: GOOD.
Is Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) allowed in the EU?
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) do in cosmetics?
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) functions as: Humectant, solvent, viscosity controlling, surfactant, emulsifier (varies by molecular weight). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 25322-68-3 (parent polymer).
What is the Margin of Safety for Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)?
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
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Related Ingredients
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