PEG-40 Methyl Ether
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 40 Methyl Ether, Methoxypolyethylene Glycol 40
Synthetic
Solvent
Not Clean
PEG-40 Methyl Ether is the polyethylene glycol ether of Methyl Alcohol.
CAS #
9004-74-4
Form
Liquid
Functions
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Dissolves Ingredients
Antioxidant Protection
Wound Healing
Dissolves other ingredients
Traditional Use
A synthetic polymer developed in the mid-20th century as a water-soluble emulsifier and humectant. Created specifically for cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations to improve texture and hydration.
EWG
4
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-reviewednone on file
⚖️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