CAS Number: 25322-68-3
PEG-20 is a polymer of ethylene oxide.
PEG-20 is primarily used in the beauty industry.
PEG-20 acts as a solvent for the active substances of cosmetic formulations.
As a humectant, PEG-20 also has a moisturising effect.
The same properties of PEG-20 determine PEG-20 use in the paints and printing inks industry and polymer processing.
PEG-20 is readily chosen by formulators in industrial sectors.
PEG-20 is seen in a variety of forms in beauty products and cosmetics, primarily as emollients and surfactants.
As a PEG with a lower molecular weight, PEG-20 is minimally absorbed into the skin.
Two forms of PEG-20, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate and Sorbitan Beeswax are among the most popular PEG-20 ingredients found in skin care products.
General characteristics of PEG-20:
PEG-20 is a synthetic polymer that belongs to the group of polyethers.
PEG-20 is formed by the ethylene oxide polymerisation reaction.
PEG-20 is an INCI name of the compound, while PEG-20 full chemical name is polyethylene glycol 1000.
PEG-20 CAS number is 25322-68-3.
In products, PEG-20 mostly acts as an emulsifier.
This surfactant has the form of a solid with a waxy consistency.
PEG-20's colour varies from white to light yellow.
PEG-20 has a faint odour.
A marketed product (e.g. POLIkol 1000 in the product range offered by the PCC Group) contains over 99% of the active substance.
Water accounts for an up to 1% of PEG-20 and is considered an impurity; PEG-20 low content does not have any substantial impact on the product quality.
The molar mass of PEG-20 is approx. 1000 g/mol.
The substance dissolves well in water.
PEG-20 is also soluble in low aliphatic alcohols such as methanol or ethanol.
The pure substance solidifies at the temperature from 35 to 40oC.
PEG-20 is safe and non-toxic.
Functions of PEG-20:
PEG-20 is seen in a variety of forms in beauty products and cosmetics, primarily as emollients and surfactants.
As a PEG with a lower molecular weight, PEG-20 is minimally absorbed into the skin.
Two forms of PEG-20, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate and Sorbitan Beeswax are among the most popular PEG-20 ingredients found in skin care products.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate is a water soluble derivative comprised of the polyethylene glycol ether of the mono anddiesters of methyl glucose and stearic acid.
The EWG notes that PEG-20 is a moderate hazard depending on usage.
PEG-20 Sorbitan Beeswax was assessed in a study published by the International Journal of Toxicology in 2001 and found to be a non-irritant to rabbit skin up to 2% concentrations, although PEG-20 is used in products at concentrations as high as 11%.
"Careful consideration was made of the data on the cocarcinogenesis, but the high exposure levels, high frequency of exposure, and absence of a dose-response led to the conclusion that there was not a cocarcinogenesis risk with the use of these ingredients in cosmetic formulations.
Accordingly, these ingredients were considered safe for use in cosmetic formulations under the present practices of use."
Despite the many fears regarding PEGs, they are seen as an ingredient in a large number of products because of their diverse properties.
In a study published in the Toxicology journal in 2005, entitled "Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products," PEG-20 was concluded that: "Taking into consideration all available information from related compounds, as well as the mode and mechanism of action, no safety concern with regard to these endpoints could be identified.
Based on the available data PEG-20 is therefore concluded that PEGs of a wide molecular weight range (200 to over 10,000), their ethers (laureths. ceteths, ceteareths, steareths, and oleths), and fatty acid esters (laurates, dilaurates, stearates, distearates) are safe for use in cosmetics."
PEG-20s (Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate and Sorbitan Beeswax) are not considered to be irritants or sensitizers, and are CIR and FDA approved for use, but not on broken skin.
Cosmetic Products Functions of PEG-20:
PEG-20 is an ingredient of different types of cosmetics, where PEG-20 mostly acts as a solubiliser, lubricant and humectant.
As a solubiliser, PEG-20 is used primarily in such cosmetic products that have water as a solvent.
A solubiliser allows you to introduce into the emulsion fatty substances, fragrance compositions or other ingredients that are poorly soluble or insoluble in water.
Due to the moisturising properties of PEG-20 and PEG-20 humectant nature, cosmetics that contain PEG-20 are suitable for the care of dry skin or skin prone to dryness.
Humectants such as PEG-20 retain water in the skin and prevent water loss.
Thus they maintain the right moisture level and make the skin look healthy and nourished.
As regards cosmetic products, PEG-20 is present in foundations, beauty creams, soaps as well as toothpastes and hair styling products.
Applications of PEG-20:
As a humectant and moisturiser, PEG-20 is one of the substances used in the paints and printing inks industry.
Besides PEG-20 unlimited solubility in water, PEG-20 absorbs water molecules from the environment (including air) and thus is a perfect drying time regulator.
PEG-20 is also used in the plastics industry.
PEG-20 is used in rubber and elastomer processing.
PEG-20 acts as an anti-adhesive agent in these processes.
Such compounds primarily make PEG-20 easier to separate the finished product from the mould.
With the use of substances such as PEG-20, PEG-20 is possible to enhance the process to a large extent, e.g. by reducing damage to products and moulds.
PEG-20 has been approved by an international organisation, i.e. the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for use as an indirect food additive.
PEG-20 is used as a lubricant in the food industry.
Ensure to use doses as specified.
The anti-electrostatic properties of PEG-20 determine PEG-20 use in the formulations of industrial cleaning agents and metalworking processes.
PEG-20 acts as a solvent for the active substances of cosmetic formulations.
KEYWORDS:
25322-68-3, Polyethylene glycol 1500, PEG, PEG-7, PEG-8, PEG-40, PEG-100, POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 4000, Poly(oxy-1 2-ethanediyl) .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy- (20 mol EO average molar ratio), DODECAETHYLENE GLYCOL
What does PEG-20 do in a formulation?
Humectant
Solvent
Properties of PEG-20:
Form: solution
pH: 5.1±0.2 ( in neat)
Density: 1.03 g/mL at 20 °C
Storage temp.: 2-8°C
Names of PEG-20:
Chem/IUPAC Name of PEG-20:
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, (20 mol EO average molar ratio)
Synonyms of PEG-20:
PEG-20
POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 1000