C12-20 Acid PEG-8 Ester is a polyethylene glycol ester of a synthetic mixture of saturatedacids containing 12 to 20 carbons in the alkyl chain with an average of 8 moles of ethylene oxide.

Although this was once a concern, reputable cosmetic ingredient suppliers have long since eliminated these impurities from the finished ingredient, which makes PEGs safe for skin. PEGs also widely considered non-toxic because they do not penetrate intact skin.

PEG 8 Laurate is the polyethylene glycol ester of Lauric Acid and is used in cosmetics and beauty products as a surfactant and emulsifying agent. It is primarily used as a fragrance ingredient and surfactant in cosmetics and beauty products.

Polyethylene glycol has been rated a low hazard ingredient in skincare products3 and is safe to use on our skin. However, there are contamination concerns with regards to the use of PEG as some byproducts (ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane) of PEG manufacture are toxic and may contaminate the formulation.

Butylene glycol is a conditioning agent Conditioning agents are ingredients that add a layer of softness or improved texture to your hair or skin. They’re also called moisturizers or, in the case of butylene glycol, humectants. Butylene glycol works to condition skin and hair by coating the surface of your cells.

Currently, PEG-20 glyceryl triisostearate and PEGylated oils are considered safe for cosmetic use according to the results of relevant studies. Additionally, PEG/PPG-17/6 copolymer should be further studied to ensure its safety as a cosmetic ingredient.

For these reasons, PEGs are not accepted in certified organic cosmetics in Europe. Are there alternatives? Yes there are. In some cases (cleansing formulations, for example), they can be substituted with polyglyceryl- ingredients (which can be accepted in eco certified cosmetic formulas).

* PEG 8. This ingredient helps give a toothpaste squeezeability. It stands for polyethylene glycol (8 is the molecular weight). This helps hold toothpaste together.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Propylene Glycol Stearates, PEG-8 Propylene Glycol Cocoate and PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate are produced from stearic acid, lauric acid, and oleic acid, respectively. They are manufactured by reacting the appropriate fatty acid with a specific number of units of ethylene oxide.

POLYETHYLENE GLYCOLS They help enhance the absorption of ingredients into the skin, including the harmful ones. Why avoid them: It has been found that PEGs contain impurities, which include ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. These two are known carcinogens and respiratory irritants.

So PEG and Butylene glycol at low molecular weights (meaning short chains) are used in skincare as skin hydration. PEG is made from a reaction between ethylene glycol and ethylene oxide while Butylene glycol is made from a reaction with PEG and ethylene oxide.

In its final chemical structure form, butylene glycol is considered safe for cosmetic use. Studies show that butylene glycol is an ingredient with low-levels of irritation, and the occurrence of allergic contact dermatitis is rare, although still a possibility.