PEG-10 is a polyethylene glycol-based cosmetic ingredient identified by the INCI name PEG-10. It is a synthetic, water-compatible ingredient used primarily as a humectant and solvent in cosmetic and personal-care formulations. The “10” in PEG-10 refers to the average number of ethylene oxide-derived molecular units in the ingredient. PEG-10 is particularly useful when a formulation requires moisture retention, solubilization, consistency support, or assistance in incorporating selected functional ingredients.
PEG-10 is suitable for applications across skincare, haircare, cleansing and other personal-care formulations where a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol ingredient is required.
PEG-10 is a polyethylene glycol with an average degree of polymerization of approximately 10 ethylene oxide units. Unlike a single low-molecular-weight compound with one fixed molecular structure, PEG-10 represents a material with an average molecular composition.
Its primary cosmetic functions are:
PEG-10 can help retain moisture within a cosmetic formulation and can assist in dissolving or dispersing selected ingredients. Its hydrophilic character makes it useful in water-based and aqueous-containing formulations.
The CAS number associated with PEG-10 is 5579-66-8. It should not be confused with structurally different ingredients such as PEG-10 Stearate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, PEG-10 Hydrogenated Lanolin, PEG-10 Hydrogenated Tallow Amine, or PEG-10 Propylene Glycol.
PEG-10 can help retain moisture within cosmetic formulations. Its hydrophilic polyethylene glycol structure supports moisture management and makes it useful in hydration-oriented skincare and personal-care products.
PEG-10 can assist in dissolving selected cosmetic ingredients and can improve their incorporation into suitable formulation systems.
Its hydrophilic characteristics can help formulators incorporate selected ingredients that require improved compatibility with aqueous or polar formulation systems.
PEG-10 may be used as a functional component associated with perfume oils or other fragrance-related formulation systems.
PEG-10 can contribute to the consistency, handling and overall performance of suitable cosmetic formulations depending on concentration and formulation design.
PEG-10 can be considered for a variety of personal-care applications, including:
PEG-10 can also support the incorporation of selected fragrance materials, functional ingredients and other formulation components where its solvent and hydrophilic properties are advantageous.
When using PEG-10, formulators should evaluate the specific commercial grade rather than relying only on the generic ingredient name.
The “10” represents an average molecular-unit value. Commercial PEG materials may contain a distribution of molecular species around the stated average.
The appropriate concentration depends on the intended formulation function, product type and compatibility with other ingredients. Formulators should establish the final use level through formulation testing.
PEG-10 is hydrophilic and suitable for systems where compatibility with water or polar ingredients is important.
Compatibility should be assessed with surfactants, preservatives, fragrances, botanical extracts, active cosmetic ingredients, polymers and other formulation components.
The final formulation pH should be evaluated according to the complete formulation system rather than assigning a universal formulation pH requirement to PEG-10.
Important commercial-grade parameters may include:
PEG-10 should be distinguished from other PEG-related cosmetic ingredients.
PEG-8: lower average ethoxylation than PEG-10.
PEG-12: higher average ethoxylation than PEG-10.
PEG-10 Stearate: an esterified PEG ingredient and chemically different from PEG-10.
PEG-10 Dimethicone: a PEG-modified silicone ingredient and different from PEG-10.
PEG-10 Hydrogenated Lanolin: a PEG-modified lanolin derivative.
PEG-10 Propylene Glycol: a different PEG-containing ingredient.
These distinctions are important when preparing cosmetic formulations, regulatory documentation, product specifications and ingredient declarations.
Swapnroop provides cosmetic ingredient solutions for manufacturers and formulators seeking consistent-quality ingredients for skincare, haircare, personal-care and formulation-development applications.
PEG-10 can be supplied for applications requiring a polyethylene glycol ingredient with humectant and solvent functionality. Product quality, packaging, technical parameters and applicable documentation should be confirmed according to the required commercial grade and customer specification.
For procurement, formulation development and bulk requirements, buyers should review the applicable product specification, COA and technical documentation for the selected PEG-10 grade.
PEG-10 is a polyethylene glycol cosmetic ingredient with an average value of approximately 10 ethylene oxide-derived molecular units.
The CAS number associated with PEG-10 is 5579-66-8.
The INCI name is PEG-10.
PEG-10 is primarily used as a humectant and solvent. It can also provide fragrance-functional and formulation-support benefits.
PEG-10 is a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol material and is suitable for water-compatible formulation systems.
No. PEG-10 and PEG-10 Stearate are different cosmetic ingredients. PEG-10 Stearate is an esterified ingredient containing a stearate component.
No. PEG-10 Dimethicone is a PEG-modified silicone ingredient and has a different chemical identity and formulation profile.
PEG-10 can be used in products such as facial toners, moisturizers, hair tonics and other personal-care formulations where humectant or solvent functionality is required.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless to light-yellow liquid or oily liquid |