PEG-20

PEG-20 molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyethylene glycol 20, PEG 20
Synthetic
Humectant
Solvent
Clean
OriginDerived from ethylene oxide and water through repeated polymerization of ethylene glycol units. Synthesized via catalytic polymerization, creating a chain of twenty ethylene glycol repeating units.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, (20 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
25322-68-3
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dehydration
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-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️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 Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR