PEG: Our product information

Polyethylene Glycol/ PEG: The Versatile Carrier Substance in Cosmetics, Food, and Pharmaceutical Products

Polyethylene Glycol, also known as PEG, Polyoxyethylene, Polyethylene Oxide, or Macrogol, is a chemical compound that is commonly used as a carrier substance for active ingredients in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. It is a polymer with different chain lengths that is able to effectively transport or combine a variety of ingredients.

Polyethylene Glycol is a particularly popular active ingredient carrier because it has a long shelf life and good compatibility. PEG is available in many different forms that are suitable for different applications. For example, the substance can be used as a gel or solution to increase the absorption of active ingredients through the skin. In the pharmaceutical industry, Polyethylene Glycol is frequently used as a carrier substance for drugs.

Polyethylene Glycol is available as a solid in the form of powder or liquid. The versatile polymer is listed under the E number E1521.

PEG Production: Technological Extraction

The industrial production of Polyethylene Glycol is a rather complex process. Ethylene oxide, a colorless sweet-smelling gas, is required for production. Polyethylene Glycol is produced by anionic polymerization of ethylene oxide.

Polyethylene Glycol is a polymer with a molecular weight between 200 g/mol and 35,000 g/mol. If the weight is higher, the term Polyethylene Oxide (PEO) is used.

Polyethylene Glycol/ PEG: Function and Special Features

As Polyethylene Glycol has good compatibility and is very easy to use, the additive has been used in cosmetics, pharmaceutical products, and the food industry for decades, for example, in sweeteners.

The versatile polymer fulfils the following functions:

• Carrier substance: A carrier substance like PEG is needed to distribute substances such as flavors, fragrances, dyes, or the like in a product. These technical auxiliary substances have no effect in the end product.

• Plasticizer: As a polymer, Polyethylene Glycol is also used to make products more elastic and flexible.

• Humectant: PEG prevents hardening and counteracts brittleness, for example, in plastics or cosmetics.

• Emulsifier: As an emulsifier, Polyethylene Glycol ensures that the water and fat content in products is evenly distributed.

Polyethylene Glycol is one of the additives that are suitable for numerous application areas and approved for many different product groups.

Polyethylene Glycol Cosmetics and Other Applications

Polyethylene Glycol is particularly commonly used in the cosmetics industry. This is mainly due to the penetration-enhancing effect of PEG, which is supposed to make the skin more permeable to active ingredients. Polyethylene Glycol can also help to better transport moisture into the skin and retain it there for longer. Polyethylene Glycol also acts as a humectant.

Typical cosmetic products that contain Polyethylene Glycol are:

• Deodorants
• Makeup
• Lipsticks
• Creams
• Shampoos and Conditioners
• Shower gel
• Toothpaste
• Bath additives

In the medical field, PEG is primarily used in gastroenterology for treatments of the gastrointestinal tract. Polyethylene Glycol has a regulating effect on the intestine as the polymer can bind water.

Furthermore, PEG is a proven binder in capsules and tablets.

Conclusion: This makes the additive particularly

Overall, PEG is an important component in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries as polyethylene glycol can be used in a versatile way as a carrier substance, emulsifier or humectant. The correct application and dosage are crucial to fully utilize the benefits of the polymer.

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