PEG-150 serves as a solvent and binder in various cosmetic and personal care products. It appears as white to off-white waxy flakes. It helps mix oil and dirt with water for effective skin and hair cleansing. By stabilizing formulations, it ensures product consistency. As a viscosity-controlling agent, it adjusts thickness and enhances texture. PEG-150 is commonly found in shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, makeup, and cleansing products. It also functions as a humectant, providing essential moisture to skin and hair. The chemical formula of Peg 150 is C19H40O4.
CAS Number: 25322-68-3Chem/IUPAC Name: Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), alpha-hydro-omega-hydroxy-, (150 mol EO average molar ratio)EINECS/ELINCS No: COSING REF No: 77712Products with PEG-150
With samples available
Sanyo Chemical PEG 6000S
by Sanyo Chemical Industries
SUNFOL PEG-6000
by SFC
ERCAPEG 6000
by Wilmar International
What is PEG-150 used for?
PEG-150 is widely used in cosmetics as a viscosity modifier, emulsifier, and stabilizer. It is also known for its humectant properties.
- Hair care: In hair care products such as shampoos and conditioners, PEG-150 serves as a thickening agent. It enhances the formulation with a luxurious texture. It improves the cleansing of hair shafts by effectively combining oil and dirt with water, creating a dense foam. As a mild ingredient, it helps maintain the ideal consistency, preventing products from becoming too watery. It also enhances spreadability for a better user experience.
- Skin care: PEG-150 is incorporated into various skincare products for its ability to enhance texture and provide gentle cleansing. It improves the ease of application and rinsing of formulations. Additionally, PEG-150 helps maintain product stability by preventing ingredient separation, ensuring a smooth and uniform consistency. It is commonly found in facial cleansers, body washes, sunscreens, and BB creams.
Origin
PEG-150 is derived from stearic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid found in oils and animal fats. Through ethoxylation reaction, stearic acid reacts with polyethylene glycol. The number "150" represents the average number of ethylene oxide units. The final ingredient is purified to remove toxic contaminants, making it suitable for use in cosmetics.
What does PEG-150 do in a formulation?
BINDING|
CLEANSING|
DEODORANT|
EMULSIFYING|
EMULSION STABILISING|
HUMECTANT|
MOISTURISING|
SOLVENT|
STABILISING|
SURFACTANT|
VISCOSITY CONTROLLINGSafety Profile
PEG-150 is a safe ingredient that is minimally irritating to human skin. When properly formulated, it is non-toxic and non-sensitizing. One of its key qualities is that it is not absorbed through the skin, making it well-tolerated by most skin types. PEG-150 can be vegan if derived from plant-based sources, such as plant-derived stearic acid. Overall, it has no significant side effects and can be used in moderation with confidence. Patch testing is recommended before full application.
PEG-150 alternatives
PEG-150 technical profile
| Property | Values |
| Boiling Point | 492°C - 497°C |
| Melting Point | 52°C - 57°C |
| Solubility | Soluble in water; insoluble in oil |
| Viscosity | High |