PEG-180
AKA “Polyethylene Glycol 180”
Humectant
Ingredient Facts
PEG-180
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 180
Humectant · Humectant · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Humectant
Solvent
Not Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, (180 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 modern polyethylene glycol polymer developed in the mid-20th century. Used as a humectant and solvent in cosmetics to replace traditional glycerin-based formulations with improved stability.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
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
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-180
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG-180M
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR