PEG-6 is a low-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol cosmetic ingredient with an average ethoxylation value of approximately 6 ethylene oxide units. It is a highly water-compatible ingredient used primarily as a humectant and solvent in cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
PEG-6 can help retain moisture and assist in dissolving or incorporating selected cosmetic ingredients into formulation systems. Its low molecular weight and hydrophilic character make it suitable for water-based skincare, haircare and personal-care products.
PEG-6 is commonly associated with Polyethylene Glycol 300 and Macrogol 300 grades. The exact commercial properties can vary depending on molecular-weight distribution and grade specification.
PEG-6 is a polyethylene glycol with an average ethoxylation value of approximately 6 ethylene oxide units. The number “6” in PEG-6 represents the average number of ethylene oxide units in the material rather than necessarily indicating one perfectly uniform molecular species.
The INCI name is PEG-6.
PEG-6 is identified in cosmetic ingredient references primarily as a humectant and solvent. The CIR literature identifies PEG-6 with CAS 2615-15-8, while other databases may use broader polyethylene glycol CAS identifiers.
PEG-6 should not be confused with esterified or modified ingredients such as:
These ingredients contain additional chemical groups and have different formulation functions.
PEG-6 functions as a humectant, helping cosmetic formulations attract and retain moisture.
Its hydrophilic polyether structure provides strong affinity for water and supports hydration-oriented formulations.
PEG-6 functions as a solvent and can help dissolve or incorporate selected cosmetic ingredients, including certain active ingredients, fragrance materials and colorants.
The water-compatible nature of PEG-6 allows it to contribute to moisture management in skincare and personal-care formulations.
PEG-6 can provide a low-viscosity, hydrophilic component that supports the development of water-based formulations.
Depending on concentration and the overall formulation, PEG-6 can contribute to formulation consistency, flow and sensory characteristics.
PEG-6 may be considered for:
COSMILE Europe lists PEG-6 in products such as face toners, aftershaves and hair tonics and describes its use as a solvent, solubilizer, humectant, consistency enhancer, binding agent and softening agent.
The “6” in PEG-6 represents an average value of approximately six ethylene oxide units. Polyethylene glycol materials can contain a distribution of molecular species.
PEG-6 is highly water-compatible and suitable for many aqueous cosmetic systems.
PEG-6 can be useful where a hydrophilic solvent or carrier is required to incorporate selected formulation ingredients.
Its hydrophilic structure allows PEG-6 to support moisture-management and hydration-focused formulations.
The appropriate use level should be established through formulation development, compatibility testing and performance evaluation.
The pH of the finished formulation should be evaluated based on the complete formulation system.
Compatibility with surfactants, polymers, preservatives, fragrances, botanical ingredients, colorants and other cosmetic raw materials should be evaluated during formulation development.
PEG ingredients are manufactured from ethylene oxide, so applicable quality specifications should address relevant process-related impurities such as ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane according to the commercial grade and applicable requirements.
PEG-6 should not be considered a complete preservation system. The finished cosmetic formulation should use an appropriate preservation strategy where required.
Store PEG-6 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-6 can be considered where a water-compatible, low-molecular-weight 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-6 is a low-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a humectant and solvent.
The CIR ingredient reference identifies 2615-15-8 for PEG-6. Some commercial and regulatory databases also use 25322-68-3 for PEG-6/polyethylene glycol materials, so the supplier's grade documentation should be checked.
The INCI name is PEG-6.
The number 6 represents an average of approximately six ethylene oxide units in the polyethylene glycol material.
PEG-6 is used primarily as a humectant and solvent in skincare, haircare and personal-care formulations.
Yes. PEG-6 is identified as a humectant in cosmetic ingredient references.
Yes. PEG-6 is identified as a solvent and can assist in dissolving selected cosmetic ingredients.
Yes. PEG-6 can be considered for creams, lotions, toners, moisturizers and other skincare formulations.
Yes. It may be used in shampoos, hair tonics and other hair-care formulations where humectant and solvent functionality is required.
No. PEG-6 Stearate is an esterified polyethylene glycol derivative and has a different chemical structure and cosmetic function.
No. PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides is an ethoxylated glyceride mixture and is a different cosmetic ingredient.
PEG-6 is associated with the average six-unit polyethylene glycol composition and is commonly associated with PEG-300/Macrogol 300 commercial grades. Exact commercial molecular-weight specifications should be confirmed from the product documentation.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless to light-yellow liquid or oily liquid |