PEG-20
AKA: Polyethylene glycol 20, PEG 20
Synthetic
Humectant
Solvent
Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, (20 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
Polyethylene glycol polymer developed in the mid-20th century for use as a humectant and thickening agent. Now widely used in cosmetics as a water-binding ingredient and product stabilizer.
EWG
2
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-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR