Glycereth-18
AKA “PEG-18 Glyceryl Ether, Polyethylene Glycol Glyceryl Ether
Humectant
Ingredient Facts
Glycereth-18
AKA: PEG-18 Glyceryl Ether, Polyethylene Glycol Glyceryl Ether
Humectant · Humectant · EWG: 1
Synthetic
Humectant
Skin Conditioner
Clean
Glycereth-18 is a polyethylene glycol ether of glycerin containing an average of 18 moles of ethylene oxide
CAS #
-
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic polyethylene glycol derivative of glycerin developed in the 20th century. Used as an emulsifier and humectant in cosmetics without traditional precedent.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR