PEG-7
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 7, Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether
Synthetic
Humectant
Solvent
Not Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, (7 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
A low-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol developed in the mid-20th century as a humectant and solvent. Created as a synthetic alternative to traditional glycerin for improving product texture and hydration in cosmetics.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
2.6%
0%4%
Reg. Limit
SCCS maximum safe concentration: 2.6%. Product type: rinse-off, non-oxidative. Source: SCCS Opinion SCCS/1507/13.
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️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