PEG-90
AKA “Polyethylene glycol 90, Polyethylene glycol 2000, PEG 2000”
Humectant
Ingredient Facts
PEG-90
AKA: Polyethylene glycol 90, Polyethylene glycol 2000, PEG 2000
Humectant · Humectant · EWG: 2
Synthetic
Humectant
Solvent
Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, (90 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 higher-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol developed in the 20th century as a humectant and thickening agent. Used in skincare formulations to improve hydration, viscosity, and ingredient compatibility.
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
Acrylates/Methoxy PEG-90 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Bis-C16-20 Isoalkoxy TMHDI/PEG-90 Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG-90
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG-90 Diisostearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG-90 Stearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG-90M
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Bis-C16-20 Isoalkoxy TMHDI/PEG-90 Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
PEG-90
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
PEG-90M
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR