PEG-100 is a polyethylene glycol-based cosmetic ingredient characterized by an average of approximately 100 ethylene oxide units. It is a highly hydrophilic, water-compatible material used primarily as a humectant and solvent in cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
PEG-100 belongs to the polyethylene glycol family and is identified in cosmetic ingredient nomenclature as PEG-100. The number “100” refers to the average molar ratio of ethylene oxide units in the polymeric material; it does not mean that every individual polymer chain contains exactly 100 repeating units.
With its strong affinity for water and useful solvency characteristics, PEG-100 can support formulations where moisture retention, ingredient solubilization and water compatibility are important. It can be considered for creams, lotions, cleansing products, moisturizers, hair-care formulations and other water-compatible personal-care systems.
PEG-100 is a polyethylene glycol material with an average ethylene oxide chain length corresponding to approximately 100 EO units. Its chemical description is:
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-hydro-ω-hydroxy-, (100 mol EO average molar ratio).
The material is part of the broader polyethylene glycol family. Because PEG materials are polymeric and their properties depend on average chain length and molecular-weight distribution, PEG-100 should be identified and controlled using the applicable commercial-grade documentation and current Certificate of Analysis (COA).
PEG-100 should not be confused with structurally different ingredients that contain “PEG-100” together with another component.
Important distinctions include:
For cosmetic formulation and purchasing purposes, the exact INCI name and grade should therefore be confirmed before use.
PEG-100 has strong affinity for water and can contribute to moisture retention within cosmetic formulations. Its hydrophilic polymer structure makes it useful in formulations where maintaining a desirable moisture environment is important.
It may therefore be used in moisturizing creams, lotions and other personal-care preparations designed around hydration and moisture support.
PEG-100 can contribute to the dissolution or dispersion of compatible formulation components. Its hydrophilic nature makes it useful for supporting water-compatible formulation systems.
The polyethylene glycol structure provides strong interaction with water. Depending on the overall formulation, PEG-100 can contribute to moisture stabilization and help maintain the desired physical characteristics of a product.
PEG-100 can be incorporated into formulations where a high-molecular-weight, water-compatible polyethylene glycol is desirable. Its exact contribution depends on concentration, molecular-weight distribution and the other ingredients present.
PEG-100 can be considered for a range of personal-care formulations, including:
PEG-100 can be incorporated into selected cleansing formulations where a water-compatible polyethylene glycol is appropriate.
Potential applications include:
PEG-100 may also be considered in selected hair-care systems, particularly formulations requiring hydrophilic polymeric formulation support.
Potential applications include:
PEG-100 may be used in:
Commercial cosmetic ingredient databases list PEG-100 primarily for its humectant and solvent functions.
PEG-100 represents an average ethoxylation level rather than a single molecular structure. Commercial PEG materials contain a distribution of chain lengths around the specified average.
For formulation development, the exact grade should therefore be evaluated using its current technical documentation.
PEG-100 is a higher-molecular-weight PEG material and may be supplied as a solid, waxy material or semi-solid depending on grade and temperature.
Processing conditions should be selected according to the supplier's technical data.
PEG-100 is highly hydrophilic and compatible with water-based systems. Its water compatibility can make it useful in formulations where water interaction is important.
The appropriate use level depends on the intended cosmetic application, formulation architecture and desired sensory or physical properties.
The finished formulation should be evaluated for:
Compatibility should be evaluated with surfactants, polymers, oils, active cosmetic ingredients, preservatives, salts and other formulation components.
The final formulation pH should be evaluated according to the complete formulation rather than assuming a universal PEG-100 pH value.
For commercial procurement, important quality attributes may include:
Exact acceptance limits should be established from the applicable commercial grade and current COA/TDS rather than using universal values.
Swapnroop Drugs & Pharmaceuticals supplies cosmetic and formulation ingredients for manufacturers and formulation developers seeking consistent-quality raw materials for personal-care applications.
PEG-100 can be considered for customers looking for a PEG-100 cosmetic ingredient manufacturer in India for applications involving humectancy, solvent functionality, moisture support and water-compatible formulation systems.
For commercial procurement, buyers should confirm the required grade, packaging, specification, COA requirements and intended application before finalizing the material.
PEG-100 is a polyethylene glycol-based cosmetic ingredient with an average of approximately 100 ethylene oxide units. It is primarily used as a humectant and solvent.
The CAS number associated with plain PEG-100 in cosmetic ingredient references is 25322-68-3.
The INCI name is PEG-100.
The number 100 represents the approximate average molar ratio of ethylene oxide units in the polyethylene glycol material. It is an average value rather than an indication that every polymer molecule contains exactly 100 units.
The primary cosmetic functions listed for PEG-100 are humectant and solvent.
PEG-100 is highly hydrophilic and is designed to have strong compatibility with water. Commercial-grade solubility and processing behavior should be confirmed from the applicable technical documentation.
PEG-100 may be used in selected skincare, haircare, cleansing, moisturizing and other personal-care formulations.
No. PEG-100 and PEG-100 Stearate are different ingredients. PEG-100 Stearate contains a stearate ester component and has different formulation properties.
No. PEG-100 Almond Glycerides is an ethoxylated glyceride derivative and should not be treated as plain PEG-100.
Yes. Humectant is one of the recognized cosmetic functions of PEG-100.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless to light-yellow liquid or oily liquid |