PEG-4 is a low-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol cosmetic ingredient with an average ethoxylation value of approximately 4 ethylene oxide units. It is a water-soluble, hydrophilic ingredient used primarily as a humectant and solvent in cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
PEG-4 has strong compatibility with water and can help retain moisture, dissolve selected ingredients and support formulation consistency. Its relatively low molecular weight distinguishes it from higher-molecular-weight polyethylene glycols such as PEG-200, PEG-400 and PEG-600.
PEG-4 is commonly supplied as a clear, colorless liquid and is suitable for various water-based cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
PEG-4 is a polyethylene glycol with an average molecular structure corresponding to approximately four ethylene oxide units. It belongs to the polyethylene glycol family and contains terminal hydroxyl groups.
The INCI name is PEG-4.
The CIR cosmetic ingredient safety reference identifies PEG-4 as having an average value of 4 and lists humectant and solvent as its cosmetic functions. The same reference identifies CAS 112-60-7 for PEG-4.
PEG-4 should not be confused with esterified ingredients such as:
These ingredients contain additional chemical groups and have different formulation properties.
PEG-4 functions as a humectant, helping cosmetic formulations manage and retain moisture.
Its hydrophilic structure provides strong affinity for water, making it useful in hydration-focused formulations.
PEG-4 functions as a solvent and can assist in dissolving or incorporating selected water-compatible cosmetic ingredients.
This makes it useful in formulations where a low-viscosity, water-compatible solvent is required.
The water-compatible nature of PEG-4 can contribute to moisture management in creams, lotions, cleansing products and other personal-care formulations.
PEG-4 can support formulation development by providing a hydrophilic liquid component with solvent and humectant properties.
Depending on concentration and the surrounding formulation system, PEG-4 can contribute to the overall feel, flow and consistency of water-based products.
PEG-4 may be considered for:
The cosmetic safety literature specifically reports PEG-4 in shower and bath products, creams, lotions, shampoos, shaving products and liquid soaps.
The “4” in PEG-4 refers to an average ethoxylation value of approximately four ethylene oxide units. Polyethylene glycols are distributed materials rather than necessarily one perfectly uniform molecular species.
PEG-4 is highly water-compatible and is suitable for many aqueous cosmetic formulations.
PEG-4 can be used where a water-compatible solvent is required to help incorporate selected ingredients.
Its hydrophilic character makes PEG-4 useful in formulations designed for moisture management.
The appropriate use level should be determined according to the finished formulation, ingredient compatibility and desired performance.
The pH of the finished product should be evaluated based on the complete formulation rather than relying only on the raw-material identity.
Compatibility with surfactants, polymers, preservatives, fragrances, botanical ingredients, active ingredients and other cosmetic raw materials should be evaluated during formulation development.
For PEG and other ethoxylated materials, applicable quality specifications should address relevant manufacturing-related impurities such as ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, according to the commercial grade and applicable regulatory requirements.
PEG-4 should not be considered a complete preservation system. The finished formulation should contain an appropriate preservation strategy where required.
Store PEG-4 in a tightly closed container under the storage conditions recommended for the applicable commercial grade.
Swapnroop supplies cosmetic ingredients for manufacturers and formulation companies developing skincare, haircare, cleansing, body-care and personal-care products.
PEG-4 can be considered where a low-molecular-weight, water-compatible polyethylene glycol is required for humectant and solvent applications.
For commercial procurement, buyers should verify the applicable grade, INCI designation, CAS identity, specification, packaging, batch COA and technical documentation before formulation use.
PEG-4 is a low-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a humectant and solvent.
The CIR cosmetic ingredient reference identifies the CAS number of PEG-4 as 112-60-7.
The INCI name is PEG-4.
The number 4 represents an average ethoxylation value of approximately four ethylene oxide units.
PEG-4 is commonly represented by the molecular formula C8H18O5.
The molecular weight corresponding to C8H18O5 is approximately 194.23 g/mol.
Yes. PEG-4 is identified as a humectant in the CIR cosmetic ingredient reference.
Yes. PEG-4 is also identified as a solvent for cosmetic applications.
Yes. PEG-4 can be considered for creams, lotions, moisturizers, cleansing products and other skincare formulations.
Yes. PEG-4 may be used in shampoos and other hair-care formulations where humectant and solvent functionality is desired.
No. PEG-4 Dilaurate is an esterified polyethylene glycol derivative containing lauric-acid-derived groups and is a different cosmetic ingredient.
No. PEG-4 and PEG-400 represent different polyethylene glycol grades with substantially different molecular-weight ranges and formulation properties.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless to light-yellow liquid or oily liquid |