Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) In Skincare Products: Is It Safe?

Would you use windshield wiper fluid on your skin as a moisturizer or as a lubricant? Because that’s pretty much what you’ve been doing if you’re not using 100% natural products. The problem is polyethylene glycols, also known as PEG, which are petroleum derived alcohols from ethylene glycol.

And guess what? This is what the main ingredient in antifreeze. Related products are propylene glycols. PEGs are seemingly in every single personal care product out there. Rather than being one ingredient, it’s actually an entire class of compounds commonly used as emulsifiers, cleaning agents, thickeners, skin conditioners and cosmetics, hygiene and lubricant products.

PEGs are also used in food as an additive to prevent foaming, and by itself as a laxative. PEGs help retain water, permeate, thicken, and soften. Their universal qualities make them popular ingredients to help shampoos and moisturizers achieve that “mmm” smooth, creamy consistency.

So what’s the issue? Well, if you don’t want to stay away from carcinogens, there’s nothing. PEGs are allergens and developmental toxins. The contaminants that commonly occur in PEG manufacturing are ethylene oxide and 1/4 dioxane – both known to be human carcinogens.

If you’re anything like me and you don’t want to put windshield wiper fluid on your skin, hair, or intimate body parts, stay away from PEGs and use only 100% all natural femcare and skin care products.