Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

PEG-800.

Valuable CAS 25322-68-3 / ANTICAKING, BINDING, HUMECTANT, PLASTICISER, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

PEG-800 is a nonionic polyethylene glycol, adept at attracting and retaining moisture as a humectant. It also serves as an effective emulsifier, blending immiscible liquids, and a solubilizer, enhancing the dispersion and delivery of various cosmetic and pharmaceutical compounds into the skin.

Summary

Humectant Emulsifier Solubilizer Skin Penetration Enhancer Anticaking Binding Plasticiser Viscosity Controlling

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient functions as a humectant by forming hydrogen bonds with water molecules, thereby enhancing skin hydration and minimizing transepidermal water loss. As a nonionic surfactant, it acts as an emulsifier, stabilizing oil-in-water or water-in-oil systems, and a solubilizer for otherwise insoluble compounds. Additionally, PEG-800 can facilitate the penetration of other active ingredients into the skin, optimizing their delivery and efficacy.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 5.5 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

Aqueous solutions of PEG-800 maintain stability at ambient temperatures and resist hydrolysis. To prevent degradation, minimize exposure to elevated temperatures and oxygen, or incorporate an antioxidant. Optimal long-term stability is achieved by storing solutions frozen (-20°C) or refrigerated (4°C); for room temperature storage, purging the atmosphere with argon can further enhance stability. A gradual decrease in pH can occur over time due to aging.

Conflicts

  • phenol
  • penicillin
  • bacitracin
  • sorbitol
  • tannic acid
  • salicylic acid
  • plastics (potential integrity impact)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Panel has deemed polyethylene glycols (PEGs), including those with a wide molecular weight range like PEG-800, safe for cosmetic applications under current conditions. The FDA also approves PEG for use in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. While PEGs generally demonstrate minimal skin irritation and no significant sensitization on intact skin at concentrations up to 25%, and some PEGylated oils are safe at 100%, a small risk of sensitivity may develop over time. Crucially, PEGs should be avoided on compromised or damaged skin. Potential contamination from manufacturing byproducts like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane is a recognized concern, though stringent purification standards in high-quality formulations effectively mitigate this risk.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG-800 is a versatile and valuable formulating agent, offering humectant, emulsifying, and penetration-enhancing properties, generally considered safe for intact skin when sourced from reputable suppliers with rigorous purification protocols.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…