PEG-500
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 500, Macrogol 500
Synthetic
Emulsifier
Solvent
Not Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy- (500 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
Polyethylene glycol with a molecular weight of approximately 500 was developed in the early 20th century. It became widely used in cosmetics from the 1950s onward as a humectant, solvent, and carrier for active ingredients.
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