PEG Compounds (Polyethylene Glycol)
PEGs (polyethylene glycols) are a large family of substances that help oil and water mix, retain moisture and add thickness in creams and cleansers. They are generally considered safe on intact skin. The debate centres on two points: trace residues of 1,4-dioxane that can form during manufacturing, and the fact that they can be absorbed more when used on damaged skin.
Risk range
1 is the lowest and 10 the highest risk. The range depends on the amount used, whether the product is rinsed off and how it is used. The Temiz İçerik app uses the same ranges.
The lower end applies to products made with well-purified raw materials and applied to intact skin; the upper end applies to products whose degree of purification is unknown and to irritated, burnt or wounded skin.
What are PEG compounds and what do they do?
PEG is the collective name for polymers formed by linking ethylene oxide molecules together in a chain. The number after the name (such as PEG-8, PEG-40, PEG-100) indicates the approximate length of the chain: those with low numbers are liquid, while those with high numbers are more solid and waxy.
PEGs are mostly used combined with fatty acids or fatty alcohols. These derivatives work as emulsifiers (substances that keep oil and water together), humectants, thickeners and solvents. They are also often found in gentle cleansers and micellar waters suitable for sensitive skin.
Which products contain them?
- Creams, lotions and make-up products
- Facial cleansers, micellar waters and make-up removing oils
- Shampoos, conditioners and shower gels
- Toothpastes and deodorants
On the label they appear as names beginning with PEG- (for example PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-100 Stearate). Ingredients with the suffix -eth in their name (such as laureth, ceteareth) and polysorbate 80 are made by a similar process.
What is the 1,4-dioxane residue?
PEGs are made by a process called ethoxylation. During this process, trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane can form as a by-product. The IARC has classified 1,4-dioxane in Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans; limited evidence).
1,4-dioxane is not deliberately added to cosmetics; it is one of the substances banned in cosmetics in the EU, and its presence is tolerated only in technically unavoidable trace amounts. Reputable manufacturers minimise this residue by vacuum-stripping the raw material. The risk therefore depends less on the PEG itself than on how well the raw material has been purified; the same applies to SLES.
Are they harmful? The scientific assessment
The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has found PEG compounds safe at the concentrations used in cosmetics, but stated that they should not be used in products applied to damaged skin. This warning is based on kidney problems observed in patients with extensive burns after long-term use of a cream containing PEG. On intact skin, PEGs, especially those with large molecules, are absorbed very little.
PEGs are generally non-irritating; allergy has rarely been reported. Some people worry that PEGs increase the permeability of the skin and make it easier for other substances to get in; this effect depends on the formula and is generally limited.
What to do when you see them on a label
- On intact skin, there is no strong reason to stop using a product containing PEG.
- If you have burns, open wounds or severe irritation, avoid applying cosmetics containing PEG to these areas; follow your doctor's advice.
- If you prefer PEG-free products, you can check labels for PEG- and -eth and choose formulas containing alternative humectants such as glycerin.
Frequently asked questions
Are PEGs carcinogenic?
PEGs themselves are not classified as carcinogens. The debate is about trace residues of 1,4-dioxane that can form during manufacturing; in well-purified raw materials this amount is minimised.
Can a cream containing PEG be applied to broken skin?
The CIR recommends that products containing PEG should not be applied to damaged skin. For wounds and burns, follow your doctor's advice.
Are PEG-free products healthier?
On intact skin they are not necessary. You can choose them if you have sensitive skin or are concerned about 1,4-dioxane.
Sources
Updated: 2026-10-11 · How we score
This page is for general information and is not personal medical advice. Warnings on the product label and the advice of a health professional always come first.