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Moumoujus

PEG/PPG/POLYBUTYLENE GLYCOL-8/5/3 GLYCERIN.

Valuable / HUMECTANT

A multi-functional synthetic polymer blend, this ingredient acts as a powerful humectant and skin-conditioning agent, drawing moisture into the skin for excellent, long-lasting hydration. It also functions to enhance the solubility and delivery of active ingredients, all while contributing to a non-sticky, silky skin feel.

Summary

Humectant Moisturizer Solubilizer Skin-conditioning agent Emollient Penetration enhancer Consistency enhancer Binding agent Softening agent Fixative

Science

Mechanism of Action

PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin operates primarily as a potent humectant, efficiently attracting and retaining atmospheric moisture within the skin, thereby providing significant and extended hydration for a soft, supple complexion. Beyond its moisturizing capabilities, this ingredient is also a skin-conditioning agent, an emollient, and a solubilizer. It uniquely enhances the penetration and dispersion of oil-based active ingredients—such as retinol, salicylic acid, and various botanical extracts—into water-based formulas, optimizing their efficacy. It contributes to a desirable non-greasy, non-tacky skin finish.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 A product containing this ingredient improved skin firmness by 4.31% in 7 days, smoothed skin texture by 8.09% in 14 days, and enhanced multi-dimensional skin luminosity by 32.04% over 28 days. It also demonstrated significant skin barrier repair, improving damage by 73.41%, and reduced irritation by 6.5 times after one day of use.
  2. 02 A serum formulated with PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin provided intense 24-hour hydration, visibly reduced 9 types of contraction lines, and improved skin texture, radiance, and brightness. This formulation also strengthened the skin's barrier within one hour, according to a 12-week clinical study with 75 subjects.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 3 – 10
0 7 14

Stability

Demonstrates robust stability across a wide pH range (3-10) and is heat-stable up to 80°C, though incorporation below 60°C is ideally recommended to protect sensitive active ingredients. It also maintains stability in low temperatures down to -20°C.

Synergies

  • Retinoids
  • Salicylic acid
  • Botanical extracts

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Max tested
50%
Sensitization risk Low

Generally recognized as safe for topical cosmetic use, with adverse reactions being uncommon. Patch testing is prudent to confirm individual compatibility. It is not recommended for hazard classification according to the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) in Australia, and previous reviews on various PEG compounds have concluded them to be relatively safe for use in cosmetics under intended conditions. Recommended usage rates typically range from 1% to 50%.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

This versatile ingredient provides comprehensive hydration, enhances active ingredient delivery, and demonstrably improves skin texture and barrier function across all skin types, making it a valuable addition to precision skincare formulations.

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