PEG-6
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 6, Macrogol 6
Synthetic
Humectant
Solvent
Clean
.Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, (6 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
25322-68-3
Form
Liquid
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
Polyethylene glycol was synthesized in 1859 and adopted by the cosmetics industry in the 1950s. PEG-6, a low molecular weight version, is used as a humectant and solvent in modern skincare formulations.
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-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR