PEG-33 ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a water-soluble humectant, solvent, and texture aid that helps bind water, improve slip, and keep other formula components evenly dispersed.
What does PEG-33 do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a water-soluble humectant, solvent, and texture aid that helps bind water, improve slip, and keep other formula components evenly dispersed.
Is PEG-33 clean?
It has clean-standard friction because it is made by ethoxylation and may contain trace residuals such as 1,4-dioxane or unreacted monomer if purification is weak. It is generally low-sensitizing on skin, so the main scrutiny is residual control rather than routine irritation.
Is PEG-33 sustainable?
This material is typically petroleum-derived, although bio-based feedstocks are possible. It is water soluble and not expected to bioaccumulate, but biodegradation can be slower than many simple plant-derived humectants.
Is PEG-33 COSMOS-approved?
It is not permitted in COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic products because the standard does not allow this type of ethoxylated synthetic material. Its Green Chemistry fit is limited by non-renewable sourcing and residual-control needs, despite useful water compatibility and low irritation potential.
How does PEG-33 work chemically?
The molecule is a linear polyether diol with an average of about 33 oxyethylene repeat units, giving an average molecular weight near 1,450 Da and strong water solubility. Typical use is often around 0.5% to 5% as a humectant, solubilizing aid, binder, or texture modifier, and it is generally stable across normal cosmetic pH ranges.
Last updated 2026-05-16