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PEG-16
AKA “Polyethylene Glycol 16, Macrogol 16”
Humectant
Ingredient Facts
PEG-16
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 16, Macrogol 16
Humectant · Humectant · EWG: 2
Synthetic
Humectant
Solvent
Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, (16 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 and solubilizer in cosmetics to improve hydration 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 Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Methoxy PEG-16
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-16
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-16 Castor Oil
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-16 Cetyl/Oleyl/Stearyl/Lanolin Alcohol Ether
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-16 Dilaurate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-16 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-16 Macadamia Glycerides
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-16 Soy Sterol
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-160 Sorbitan Triisostearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-160M
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-16
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
PEG-16 Macadamia Glycerides
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
PEG-16 Soy Sterol
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR