Polyethylene Glycol (PEG Compounds)
Also known as: PEG-4, PEG-8, PEG-20, PEG-100, polyethylene oxide, any ingredient starting with PEG-
A family of petroleum-derived compounds used as emulsifiers, thickeners, solvents, and penetration enhancers. PEGs themselves are relatively low-toxicity, but they are frequently contaminated with ethylene oxide (a known carcinogen) and 1,4-dioxane.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid
Risk by Usage Frequency
How risk changes depending on how often you use products containing Polyethylene Glycol (PEG Compounds).
Low risk from incidental exposure.
Daily exposure to trace carcinogens from contaminated PEGs is a cumulative concern.
Multiple PEG-containing products increase cumulative carcinogen exposure. Choose PEG-free alternatives.
Health Risks
Frequently contaminated with ethylene oxide, a known human carcinogen (IARC Group 1).
IARC Monographs — Ethylene oxide
Often contain 1,4-dioxane, a probable human carcinogen, as a manufacturing byproduct.
EPA — 1,4-dioxane classified as likely to be carcinogenic to humans
Function as penetration enhancers, increasing skin absorption of other ingredients including contaminants.
Global Regulatory Status
How polyethylene glycol (peg compounds) is regulated in cosmetics and personal care products around the world.
9% of countries with data ban or restrict this ingredient
Details
Must not be used on damaged/irritated skin; purity standards for 1,4-dioxane apply.
Why Brands Use Polyethylene Glycol (PEG Compounds)
Versatile ingredients that help blend oil and water, improve product texture, and enhance delivery of active ingredients into the skin.
36
products in our database
17
brands use it
4
product categories
Better alternatives exist. Brands choose polyethylene glycol (peg compounds) because it's cheap and effective, but safer options like vegetable-derived emulsifiers (cetearyl olivate), beeswax, lecithin deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG Compounds) in Product Categories
Click a category to see every product containing polyethylene glycol (peg compounds) in that category, with full ingredient breakdowns.
Products Containing Polyethylene Glycol (PEG Compounds)
These popular products list polyethylene glycol (peg compounds) in their ingredient labels. Tap any card to see the full ingredient breakdown and safety analysis.
And 24 more products in our database.
The Worst Offender vs Numbrrrz
Here's how the lowest-scoring product containing polyethylene glycol (peg compounds) compares to Numbrrrz.
Blistex Medicated Lip Ointment
Blistex
Numbrrrz
Organic Lip Balm
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Safe Alternatives
What Numbrrrz Uses Instead
Numbrrrz uses beeswax as a natural emulsifier and structural agent — no PEG compounds or their carcinogenic contaminants needed in our simple formula.
FAQ
How can I spot PEG compounds on an ingredient label?
Are PEGs themselves toxic, or just the contaminants?
What is 1,4-dioxane and why is it in PEG compounds?
Are PEG compounds banned in Europe?
Do PEGs enhance penetration of other ingredients?
Does Numbrrrz use PEG compounds?
See How These Brands Compare to Numbrrrz
Brands that use polyethylene glycol (peg compounds) in their products — see how they stack up.
