PEG-400
AKA “Polyethylene glycol 400, macrogol 400, carbowax 400”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
PEG-400
AKA: Polyethylene glycol 400, Macrogol 400, Carbowax 400
Synthetic · Emulsion Stabilising · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Emulsifier
Solvent
Synthetic
Not Clean
A gentle humectant and stabilizer that helps blend ingredients together and keeps the formula smooth and consistent on skin.
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
Locks in moisture to keep skin soft and supple throughout the day
Strengthens Barrier
Anti-Aging
Addresses signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness
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
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR