PEG-8
Avoid
Ethoxylated Humectant; Solvent
Also Known As
Polyethylene Glycol 400; Macrogol 400
CAS Number
25322-68-3
What It Does
Retains moisture and improves ingredient solubility and texture.
Why Oh Daisey Rates It This Way
The finished polymer generally has low toxicity, but manufacturing may leave trace ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane contaminants. Damaged skin may also permit greater absorption of lower-molecular-weight PEGs.
Evidence Level
Strong
Sources
- https://www.cir-safety.org/ ; https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/potential-contaminants-cosmetics/14-dioxane-cosmetics-manufacturing-byproduct