PEG-220

AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 220, PEG 220

Synthetic

Humectant

Solvent

Not Clean

Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, (220 mol EO average molar ratio)

CAS #

25322-68-3

Form

Liquid

Functions

Binding

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 polyethylene glycol polymer developed in the mid-20th century as a humectant and solvent in cosmetics. Created to provide hygroscopic properties for moisture retention in skincare formulations.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

Restricted By

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

CIR Safety Findings

Not a Sensitizer

medical-approval

all-shades-safe

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewednone on file

⚖️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