PEG-400
AKA “Polyethylene glycol 400, macrogol 400, carbowax 400”
Ingredient
Ingredient Facts
PEG-400
AKA: Polyethylene glycol 400, Macrogol 400, Carbowax 400
Ingredient · Emulsion Stabilising · EWG: 2
Synthetic
Emulsifier
Solvent
Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy- (400 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
25322-68-3
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Binding
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Moisturizing
Strengthens Barrier
Anti-Aging
Holds ingredients together
Keeps product blended
Dissolves other ingredients
Traditional Use
A synthetic polyethylene glycol polymer developed in the 1940s-1950s for industrial and pharmaceutical applications. Adopted by cosmetics as a humectant and solvent to improve product texture and hydration.
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 Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR