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Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
Examples of ingredients :
PEG-1 Lauryl Glycol, PEG-4, PEG-8, PEG-10, PEG-10 Castor Oil, PEG-10 Cocoate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, PEG-90, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-180, PEG-400, Polyethylene Glycol 35000.
Function:
Humectant, solvent, surfactant, emulsifying agent, hair conditioner, skin care agent.
Origin:
Synthetic.
Concentration allowed by European regulations :
Not regulated.
Where to find it / them? :
Foundation, styling creams/sprays, face creams, deodorants, body creams/milks, lipsticks, shaving creams, conditioners, soaps, shampoos, sun creams, eye creams, foot masks, hand creams, scrubs, face masks, face serums, hair dyes, hair masks, antiperspirants, bubble baths, concealers.
Risks to health:
Potential skin irritant (low), potential allergen (low), potential percutaneous penetration, suspected carcinogen, suspected to be reprotoxic.
Risks to the environment :
Polluting and toxic manufacturing process (ethoxylation), non-biodegradable.
More information :
The number following the acronym PEG indicates its approximate molecular weight.