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PEG-18
AKA “Polyethylene Glycol 18, Polyethylene Glycol 400”
Humectant
Ingredient Facts
PEG-18
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 18, Polyethylene Glycol 400
Humectant · Humectant · EWG: 2
Synthetic
Humectant
Solvent
Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, (18 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 short-chain polyethylene glycol polymer developed in the mid-20th century. Used as a humectant, solubilizer, and hydration enhancer in cosmetics.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Butyl Acrylate/Isopropylacrylamide/PEG-18 Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Decyl HDI/PEG-180 Crosspolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Diethylene Glycol/DMAP Acrylamide/PEG-180/HDI Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-18
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-18 Castor Oil Dioleate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-18 Palm Glycerides
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-18 Stearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-180
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-180M
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-18
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR