PEG-6000 is a higher-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol used as a hydrophilic, non-ionic formulation ingredient. It is characterized by an average molecular-weight designation of approximately 6,000 g/mol and is supplied commercially as a solid material with a waxy or flake-like appearance.
PEG-6000 has strong affinity for water because of its repeating oxyethylene structure and terminal hydroxyl groups. Its higher molecular weight gives it different physical and processing properties compared with lower PEG grades such as PEG-400, PEG-600, PEG-1000, PEG-1500, PEG-2000 and PEG-4000.
Commercial PEG-6000 is generally supplied as a white to off-white solid, flakes, granules, powder or waxy material, depending on the manufacturing grade and packaging form. Its melting or solidification behavior is typically around 55–63°C, although exact values depend on the grade and analytical method.
PEG-6000 can be evaluated for formulation-support, consistency, binding, water-compatible and other functional applications in cosmetic and personal-care systems.
PEG-6000 is Polyethylene Glycol 6000, a polymeric polyether consisting of repeating oxyethylene units.
Its generic structure can be represented as:
HO–(CH₂CH₂O)n–H
The number 6000 represents the approximate average molecular-weight designation of the commercial polyethylene glycol grade. It does not mean that every molecule has exactly 6,000 g/mol molecular weight.
Commercial PEG-6000 contains a distribution of polymer chain lengths around its specified average molecular weight. This molecular-weight distribution influences:
The commonly used CAS number for polyethylene glycol grades including PEG-6000 is 25322-68-3.
Plain PEG-6000 should be distinguished from chemically modified materials such as:
These materials have different chemical structures and should not be represented as plain PEG-6000.
PEG-6000 consists of repeating oxyethylene units:
HO–(CH₂CH₂O)n–H
The value of n varies between molecules, producing a molecular-weight distribution rather than one fixed molecular structure.
The higher molecular weight of PEG-6000 results in a more pronounced solid and waxy character compared with lower PEG grades.
Important characteristics influenced by molecular weight include:
PEG-6000 should therefore be selected based on the required molecular-weight specification and intended formulation application.
PEG-6000 provides a hydrophilic, water-compatible polymeric material for selected cosmetic formulation systems.
Its higher molecular weight can provide useful consistency and processing characteristics where a solid PEG is required.
PEG-6000 can contribute to binding and consistency-related properties in suitable formulations.
Its solid/waxy character can be useful where a higher-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol is required to modify product structure.
PEG-6000 contains multiple ether groups and terminal hydroxyl groups that provide strong affinity for water.
It can contribute to moisture-related formulation properties, although actual humectant performance depends on molecular weight, concentration and the complete formulation.
PEG-6000 is water-soluble and may support the incorporation or distribution of compatible ingredients in selected formulation systems.
Because it has a much higher molecular weight than PEG-200 or PEG-400, its behavior should be evaluated specifically for the intended formulation.
PEG-6000 is a solid material at normal room temperature and can contribute to the physical consistency and texture of appropriate cosmetic formulations.
PEG-6000 may be evaluated in selected cosmetic and personal-care systems.
Potential applications include:
PEG-6000 may be considered for:
Potential applications include:
PEG-6000 can be considered where a higher-molecular-weight, solid and water-compatible PEG is required for formulation structure, consistency or processing.
PEG-6000 is an average molecular-weight grade rather than a single molecular species.
The exact average molecular-weight range depends on the commercial specification. Therefore, the current COA and TDS should be used to confirm the molecular-weight distribution.
PEG-6000 is generally a white to off-white solid or waxy material at normal room temperature.
Its melting/solidification behavior is commonly around 55–63°C, depending on grade.
It can soften or melt when heated above its applicable melting range.
PEG-6000 is water-soluble.
Dissolution behavior depends on:
Higher molecular-weight PEG materials may require appropriate mixing and temperature control for efficient dissolution.
Because PEG-6000 is a solid with a relatively high melting range, controlled heating may be required during some formulation processes.
Avoid unnecessary prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures.
PEG materials can absorb moisture from the surrounding environment.
Recommended storage practices include:
There is no single universal cosmetic concentration for PEG-6000.
The appropriate concentration depends on:
Formulation testing should determine the optimum concentration.
PEG-6000 does not define the final pH of a cosmetic formulation.
The pH of an aqueous PEG-6000 solution should be determined using the applicable grade specification and analytical method.
The final cosmetic formulation should always be evaluated for its intended pH range.
PEG-6000 should be evaluated for compatibility with:
Compatibility testing should be performed under actual formulation conditions.
Important quality-control parameters may include:
Representative commercial PEG-6000 grades are commonly controlled for:
Exact numerical limits are grade-specific and should be obtained from the current COA/TDS for the material being supplied.
Swapnroop Drugs & Pharmaceuticals supplies cosmetic and formulation ingredients for manufacturers, formulators and personal-care businesses.
PEG-6000 can be considered where a PEG-6000 cosmetic ingredient manufacturer in India is required for formulations requiring a higher-molecular-weight, water-compatible polyethylene glycol with solid and waxy handling characteristics.
For commercial procurement, buyers should confirm the applicable PEG-6000 grade, molecular-weight range, cosmetic nomenclature, CAS identity, packaging, COA, TDS and intended application before purchase.
PEG-6000 is a higher-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol with a nominal molecular-weight designation around 6,000 g/mol.
The commonly used CAS number for polyethylene glycol 6000 is 25322-68-3.
The number 6000 represents the approximate average molecular-weight designation of the polyethylene glycol grade.
The exact average molecular-weight range depends on the commercial grade. PEG-6000 is generally characterized around its nominal 6,000 g/mol molecular-weight designation.
Yes. PEG-6000 is generally supplied as a white to off-white solid, flakes, powder, granules or waxy material.
PEG-6000 commonly has melting or solidification behavior in approximately the 55–63°C range, depending on grade and analytical method.
Yes. PEG-6000 is water-soluble. Dissolution rate depends on temperature, concentration, particle size and grade.
PEG-6000 may be evaluated in cosmetic and personal-care formulations where a higher-molecular-weight, water-compatible PEG is required for consistency, binding, formulation-support or moisture-related properties.
PEG-6000 has a hydrophilic structure and can contribute to moisture-related formulation properties. Its actual humectant performance depends on the formulation and concentration.
PEG-6000 can provide formulation-support and solubilizing properties for compatible materials, although its higher molecular weight gives it different behavior from lower PEG grades.
No. PEG-6000 Stearate is an esterified PEG derivative and is chemically different from plain PEG-6000.
No. PEG-6000 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a separate PEG-modified oil derivative with a different chemical composition and functionality.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless to light-yellow liquid or oily liquid |