PEG-7 Methyl Ether

AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 7 Methyl Ether
Synthetic
Solvent
Not Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-methyl-.omega.-hydroxy- (7 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
9004-74-4
Form
Liquid
Functions
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Moisturizing
Antimicrobial
Strengthens Barrier
Dissolves other ingredients
Traditional Use
A synthetic humectant and solvent developed in the 20th century as part of the polyethylene glycol family. Serves no traditional use and was created purely for cosmetic formulation purposes to improve texture and hydration.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️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