PEG-16

AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 16, Macrogol 16

Synthetic

Humectant

Solvent

Clean

OriginPEG-16 belongs to the polyethylene glycol chemical family, synthesized from ethylene oxide derived from petroleum. Produced through polymerization of ethylene oxide, creating a chain of sixteen repeating ethylene glycol units.

Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, (16 mol EO average molar ratio)

CAS #

25322-68-3

Form

Liquid

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

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

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewednone on file

⚖️Regulatory1 listing →

🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →

Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

Restricted By

Credo Beauty Whole Foods Premium Body Care Beauty Heroes MADE SAFE EWG VERIFIED

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR