murphyPEG-18
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 18, Polyethylene Glycol 400
Synthetic
Humectant
Solvent
Clean
OriginSynthesized from ethylene oxide, a petroleum-derived organic compound belonging to the polyethylene glycol family. Produced through repeated ethoxylation reactions where ethylene oxide units polymerize onto a hydrocarbon chain backbone.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, (18 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
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR