PEG-9
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: NONAETHYLENE GLYCOL, 3, 6, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24-Octaoxahexacosane-1, 26-diol, 2-[2-[2-[2-[2-[2-[2-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethanol, CHEBI:39784, AI3-01837, 4-01-00-02409 (Beilstein Handbook Reference), 2-(2-(2-(2-(2-(2-(2-(2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethanol
Synthetic
Humectant
Solvent
Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, (9 mol EO average molar ratio)
Formula
C18H38O10
Mol. Weight
414.50
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 20th century as a humectant and solvent in cosmetics. Used to improve hydration and ingredient solubility in 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-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR