PEG-150 ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a high-molecular-weight synthetic polymer used mainly as a viscosity builder, binder, film former, and water-retaining humectant in creams, gels, cleansers, and solid formats.
What does PEG-150 do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a high-molecular-weight synthetic polymer used mainly as a viscosity builder, binder, film former, and water-retaining humectant in creams, gels, cleansers, and solid formats.
Is PEG-150 clean?
From a clean-beauty lens, this ingredient is commonly flagged because it is made through ethoxylation and may carry trace 1,4-dioxane if purification is weak. It is generally low-irritation at normal use levels, but many restricted-substance lists focus on the manufacturing route and residue controls.
Is PEG-150 sustainable?
This material is typically made from petrochemical feedstocks, so it is not a strong match for renewable-sourcing goals. It is water soluble and has low bioaccumulation potential, but higher-molecular-weight grades can biodegrade more slowly than smaller ones.
Is PEG-150 COSMOS-approved?
It is not permitted in COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic products because the chemistry relies on ethoxylated synthetic polymer production rather than approved natural-origin processing. Its Green Chemistry fit is limited by nonrenewable feedstocks and residue-control needs.
How does PEG-150 work chemically?
The molecule is a linear polyether built from repeating oxyethylene units, with the number indicating a high average degree of polymerization and an approximate average molecular weight around 6,000 to 7,000 Da. It is nonionic, water soluble, stable across common cosmetic pH ranges, and typically used at low single-digit percentages for viscosity and binding, with higher levels possible in anhydrous or solid systems depending on texture.
Last updated 2026-05-13