PEG-4
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: TETRAETHYLENE GLYCOL, 112-60-7, HI-Dry, 3, 6, 9-Trioxaundecane-1, 11-diol, Carbitol, Diethyl, 9-Trioxaundecan-1, Ethanol, AI3-01838
Synthetic
Humectant
Solvent
Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy- (4 mol EO average molar ratio)
Solubility Miscible with water /1.0X10+6 mg/L/ at 20 °C
Formula
C8H18O5
Mol. Weight
194.23
CAS #
25322-68-3
Form
Liquid
State
Tetraethylene glycol is a colorless to straw-colored liquid with a mild odor. Sinks and mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)
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
Low-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol developed in the mid-20th century as a humectant and solvent in cosmetics to improve hydration and ingredient compatibility.
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
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR