PEG-100
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 100, Polyethylene Glycol 100000, PEG 100000
Synthetic
Humectant
Solvent
Not Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, (100 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
25322-68-3
Form
Liquid
Functions
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A high-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol synthesized in the mid-20th century. Developed as a modern humectant and solubilizer to replace traditional glycerin in formulations requiring greater water-binding capacity and solvent properties.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dehydration
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed0 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR