PEG-450
AKA: Polyethylene glycol 450, Macrogol 450, Carbowax 450
Synthetic
Emulsifier
Solvent
Not Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy- (450 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
25322-68-3
Form
Liquid
Functions
Binding
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Holds Formula Together
Stabilizes Emulsion
Dissolves Ingredients
Holds ingredients together
Keeps product blended
Dissolves other ingredients
Traditional Use
A high-molecular-weight synthetic polyethylene glycol developed in the 1950s. Used in cosmetics as a humectant, solvent, and texture modifier to create smooth, spreadable formulations.
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-assessed0 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR