murphyPEG-8
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Octaethylene glycol, Octanethyl glycol, HO-PEG8-OH, PED-diol (n=8)
Synthetic
Humectant
Solvent
Clean
OriginPEG-8 belongs to the polyethylene glycol (PEG) chemical family, synthesized from petroleum-derived ethylene oxide. Produced through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide is polymerized and condensed to create an eight-unit polymer chain.
.Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, (8 mol EO average molar ratio)
Formula
C16H34O9
Mol. Weight
370.43
CAS #
5117-19-1, 25322-68-3
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
10 studies / 2 irritating / 2 mixed / 6 not irritating / reactions slight (CIR 88 and 548)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
14 studies / 4 irritating / 10 not irritating / reactions minimal to moderate (CIR 88 and 548)
Mixed Sensitization Results
5 studies / 1 sensitizing / 4 not sensitizing / plus 5 case reports (CIR 88 and 548)
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR