PEG-18
AKA “Polyethylene Glycol 18, Polyethylene Glycol 400”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
PEG-18
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 18, Polyethylene Glycol 400
Synthetic · Humectant · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Humectant
Emulsifier
Solvent
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
A lightweight humectant that draws moisture into skin and hair while helping other ingredients blend smoothly into formulas.
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.
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Emulsifying Agent
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
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
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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 Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR