PEG-16 is a polyethylene glycol-based cosmetic ingredient identified by the INCI name PEG-16. It is a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol material primarily used as a humectant and solvent in cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
The number “16” in PEG-16 refers to an average value of approximately 16 ethylene oxide-derived molecular units. PEG-16 therefore represents an average molecular composition rather than a material in which every molecule contains exactly 16 units.
PEG-16 can support formulations where moisture retention, solvent functionality and compatibility with water-containing systems are required. It can be considered for skincare, haircare and other personal-care applications depending on the selected commercial grade and formulation requirements.
PEG-16 belongs to the Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs) family. Polyethylene glycol materials are produced through processes involving ethylene oxide and have hydrophilic characteristics.
PEG-16 is defined by its average molecular-unit value of approximately 16. Its primary cosmetic functions are:
The PEG number should be understood as an average value. Commercial polyethylene glycol materials contain a distribution of molecular species around the stated average.
PEG-16 should not be confused with PEG-16 derivatives such as PEG-16 Castor Oil, PEG-16 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-16 Macadamia Glycerides, PEG-16 Cetyl/Oleyl/Stearyl/Lanolin Alcohol Ether or other PEG-16-modified ingredients. These materials have different chemical identities and functions.
PEG-16 can support moisture retention in cosmetic formulations. Its hydrophilic polyethylene glycol structure provides affinity for water and makes it suitable for hydration-oriented formulations.
PEG-16 can function as a solvent for selected cosmetic ingredients and can assist in their incorporation into suitable formulation systems.
Its hydrophilic character can support the incorporation of selected ingredients into aqueous or polar formulation systems, depending on the complete formulation.
PEG-16 can contribute to moisture management in skincare and personal-care formulations where a polyethylene glycol-based humectant is required.
The combination of humectant and solvent functionality makes PEG-16 useful for formulation development where water compatibility and ingredient incorporation are important.
PEG-16 can be considered for a range of cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
PEG-16 can be evaluated when a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol material is required for moisture-retention or solvent functionality.
The “16” in PEG-16 represents an average molecular-unit value. It should not be interpreted as a single exact molecular structure.
Because PEG-16 represents an average polymeric material, the molecular-weight profile should be controlled according to the selected commercial grade.
PEG-16 is hydrophilic and can be suitable for water-containing and polar formulation systems.
The appropriate concentration should be established through formulation development and compatibility testing based on the intended cosmetic application.
Compatibility should be evaluated with:
The finished formulation pH should be evaluated according to the complete formulation rather than assigning a universal pH requirement to PEG-16.
Depending on the commercial grade, quality evaluation may include:
PEG-12: Lower average molecular-unit value than PEG-16.
PEG-14: Lower average molecular-unit value than PEG-16.
PEG-16: Average value of approximately 16.
PEG-18: Higher average molecular-unit value than PEG-16.
PEG-20: Higher average molecular-unit value than PEG-16.
PEG-16 Castor Oil: A castor-oil-derived PEG derivative and chemically different from PEG-16.
PEG-16 Hydrogenated Castor Oil: A hydrogenated castor-oil-derived PEG derivative and chemically different from PEG-16.
PEG-16 Macadamia Glycerides: A PEG derivative of macadamia-oil glycerides and a different cosmetic ingredient.
These distinctions are important when selecting ingredients for cosmetic formulations and preparing product specifications.
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PEG-16 can be considered for formulations requiring a polyethylene glycol material with humectant and solvent functionality. The appropriate commercial grade should be selected according to molecular characteristics, physical properties, quality requirements and intended application.
For bulk procurement and formulation development, the applicable COA, TDS and product specification should be reviewed for the exact PEG-16 grade.
PEG-16 is a polyethylene glycol cosmetic ingredient with an average value of approximately 16 ethylene oxide-derived molecular units.
The INCI name is PEG-16.
PEG-16 is primarily used as a humectant and solvent.
The number 16 represents the average value for the number of ethylene oxide-derived molecular units in the polyethylene glycol material.
The cited CIR table does not specify a CAS number for PEG-16. The exact commercial grade documentation should therefore be used to establish the applicable CAS identification rather than assigning a generic or unrelated CAS number.
No. PEG-16 Castor Oil is a polyethylene glycol derivative of castor oil and has a different chemical identity.
No. PEG-16 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a derivative of hydrogenated castor oil and is chemically different from PEG-16.
PEG-16 can be considered for skincare, haircare and personal-care formulations where humectant or solvent functionality is required.
No. PEG-16 represents an average molecular composition, so its molecular-weight distribution is dependent on the commercial grade.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless to light-yellow liquid or oily liquid |