Science
Mechanism of Action
This polymer acts as a humectant by forming hydrogen bonds with water molecules, thereby enhancing skin hydration and mitigating transepidermal water loss. In formulation, PEG-65M serves as a binding agent to maintain the cohesion of solid cosmetic components, an emulsion stabilizer to promote uniform mixing and extend product shelf-life, and a viscosity controller to achieve the desired product texture and flow.
Research
Clinical Evidence
Insufficient-data confidenceN/A
Transparency
Dusting Analysis
The Formula
Formulation
Stability
PEG-65M is highly water-soluble, with solubility modestly decreasing as its molecular weight increases. It demonstrates robust stability in hard water and a variety of aqueous solutions including salts, acids, and alkalis, indicating broad pH tolerance. Optimal stability for PEG products generally falls within a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0.
Conflicts
- extremely concentrated acids
- extremely concentrated alkalis
Safety
Safety Profile
The CIR Expert Panel has deemed polyethylene glycol ingredients, including PEG-65M, safe for use in cosmetic and personal care products. They exhibit low oral and dermal toxicity, minimal skin irritation, and are not categorized as sensitizers. Due to its high average molecular weight (65,000 units), PEG-65M shows minimal absorption through intact skin. However, it is noted that kidney toxicity and sensitization were observed in patients with severely burned skin treated with PEG-based creams, where skin barrier function is significantly compromised. The FDA permits certain PEGs, such as those with an average molecular weight of 6,000, as food additives.
Your Skin
Skin Compatibility
Our Assessment
Verdict
PEG-65M is a valuable multifunctional ingredient, offering significant humectant benefits for skin hydration while simultaneously enhancing product stability, binding, and texture control in diverse cosmetic formulations.
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References
Sources