PEG-100
AKA “Polyethylene Glycol 100, Polyethylene Glycol 100000, PEG 100000”
Humectant
Ingredient Facts
PEG-100
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 100, Polyethylene Glycol 100000, PEG 100000
Humectant · Humectant · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Humectant
Solvent
Not Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, (100 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
25322-68-3
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.
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 high-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol synthesized in the mid-20th century. Developed as a modern humectant and solubilizer to replace traditional glycerin in formulations requiring greater water-binding capacity and solvent properties.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dehydration
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Bis-Lauryl Cocaminopropylamine/HDI/PEG-100 Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Methoxy PEG-100
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG-100
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG-100 Castor Oil
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG-100 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG-100 Lanolin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Methoxy PEG-100
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Development and characterization of topical formulation for maintenance therapy containing sorbitan monostearate with and without PEG-100-stearate.
Schoenfelder H, Wiedemann Y, Lunter DJ
International journal of cosmetic science, 2025
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR