INCI name

PEG-100

Polyethylene glycol (PEG-100)

A long-chain polyethylene glycol.

What it is

PEG-100 is a synthetic polyethylene glycol with an average of 100 ethylene oxide units. CosIng lists it as humectant and solvent.

Where it is used

Found in creams, cleansers, toothpastes and other products.

Limits of interpretation

The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.

The number 100 refers to the average chain length, not to the amount in the product.

Functions

Humectant
Retaining and/or preserving the moisture in a product during use.
Solvent
Dissolving other components of cosmetics. Solvents are usually liquids (aqueous and nonaqueous).

EU regulation

This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.

Products with this ingredient (37)

Check a full ingredient list