PEG-400
What PEG-400 is & what it does
PEG-400 is polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight near 400, a clear, water-soluble liquid. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it works as a solvent, humectant, and carrier, helping dissolve other ingredients and improving the texture and spreadability of the product. The number indicates the polymer chain length, with lower numbers being more liquid and higher numbers more waxy.
What does PEG-400 do in skincare?
PEG-400 is a water-soluble polyethylene glycol used in skincare and sunscreen formulas as a solvent, humectant, and carrier. It helps dissolve other ingredients and improves the spreadability and texture of a product. The number 400 refers to its average molecular weight.
Is PEG-400 safe?
PEG-400 is widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals and is generally considered safe for topical use at the levels found in products. Some consumers prefer to limit PEGs out of personal preference or concerns about manufacturing purity. It is a well-characterized, common formulation ingredient.
Is PEG-400 natural or synthetic?
PEG-400 is a synthetic polymer made by linking ethylene oxide units into chains of a defined average length. It is not a naturally occurring material. The PEG number indicates the chain length and resulting physical form.
Sunscreens with PEG-400
We rate 10 sunscreens that contain it:
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Avene Day Protector Tinted Cream Spf30
89/100
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934 Oil Control SPF
74/100
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Biore Uv Anti-Pollution Body Care Serum Extra Moist Spf 50+ Pa+++
72/100
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Kose Skin Rhythm Moisty Dense Gel UV SPF 30 Pa++
70/100
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Avene Hydrance Optimale Light Hydrating Cream Spf 20
70/100
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Biore Uv Anti-Pollution Body Care Serum Refresh Bright Spf 50+ Pa+++
70/100
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JERGENS Brightening Ultra Nourish Body Serum SPF 22 Pa++
70/100
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Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturiser SPF 15
49/100
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Hello Glow Sun Care Gel SPF 50+
49/100
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Curél UV Protection Essence SPF 30
49/100