PEG-6
No meaningful concern for most people; irritation is possible but rare.
Also written as: Polyethylene glycol 300 · Macrogol 300
What it is
PEG-6 is a short chain of six ethylene oxide units, a clear liquid that mixes with water. In cosmetics it binds a little water, thins out thick pastes and helps dissolve ingredients that are awkward in plain water. The same material, as macrogol 300, is a standard pharmaceutical solvent.
What it does well
Helps dissolve and distribute other ingredients evenly
Short PEGs are established, low-odour cosmetic solvents and humectants with a long record of safe topical use.
Strong evidence
Worth knowing
Can increase absorption through damaged skin
PEGs applied to large areas of broken skin, such as burns, can increase how much of a formula is absorbed. This is not relevant to intact skin or normal face-mask use.
Matters most toPeople applying products to open wounds or extensively broken skin.
Where the EU stands
No specific restriction
No EU concentration limit. Ethoxylation residues are controlled through Article 17 of the Cosmetics Regulation.
Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Article 17 (traces of prohibited substances) · source ↗
Sources (1)
Every link goes to the original: a journal, a PubMed record or an EU document.
- [1]Role of Polyethylene Glycol in Dermatology
Indian Dermatology Online Journal · 2025 · doi:10.4103/idoj.idoj_648_24
PEGs have broad, well-tolerated dermatological uses, with hypersensitivity reactions recognised as uncommon exceptions.
