PEG-45
AKA “Polyethylene glycol 45, macrogol 45, PEG 45”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
PEG-45
AKA: Polyethylene glycol 45, Macrogol 45, PEG 45
Synthetic · Humectant · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Humectant
Solvent
Synthetic
Not Clean
A lightweight humectant that draws moisture into skin and helps bind formula ingredients together for a smooth, stable product.
CAS #
25322-68-3
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Binding
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 synthetic polyethylene glycol polymer with 45 ethylene glycol units. Developed in the mid-20th century as a humectant and solvent for cosmetic formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Allergic contact dermatitis caused by PEG-22 and PEG-45 dodecyl glycol copolymers in two skin-repairing creams.
Brehon A, Soria A, Barbaud A, Amsler E
Contact dermatitis, 2023
PEG-45/dodecyl glycol co-polymer and bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2: Two culprits responsible of an allergic contact dermatitis to a lip balm.
Clark E, Samaran Q, Dereure O, Raison-Peyron N
Contact dermatitis, 2021
PEG-45
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
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PEG-45M
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG-45
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
PEG-45 Palm Kernel Glycerides
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
PEG-45M
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR