PEG-45

PEG-45 1
AKA: Polyethylene glycol 45, Macrogol 45, PEG 45
Synthetic
Humectant
Solvent
Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy- (45 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 synthetic polyethylene glycol polymer with 45 ethylene glycol units. Developed in the mid-20th century as a humectant and solvent for cosmetic formulations.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
CANADA✔ permitted
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
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