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PEG-32
AKA “Polyethylene glycol 32, Macrogol 32”
Humectant
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Ingredient Facts
PEG-32
AKA: Polyethylene glycol 32, Macrogol 32
Humectant · Humectant · EWG: 2
Synthetic
Humectant
Solvent
Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, (32 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
25322-68-3
Form
Liquid
See origin →
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 (PEG) polymers were first synthesized in the 1950s and adopted by the cosmetics industry as humectants and solubilizers to improve texture, stability, and water-binding properties in skincare and haircare formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
PEG-32
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-32 Dilaurate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-32 Dioleate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-32 Distearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-32 Laurate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-32 Methyl Ether Dimethicone
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-32 Stearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Sunflower Seed Oil PEG-32 Esters
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-32
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
PEG-32 Methyl Ether Dimethicone
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
PEG-32 Stearate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR