PEG-6

What PEG-6 is & what it does

PEG-6 is a polyethylene glycol with an average of 6 ethylene oxide units, used in cosmetic and sunscreen products as a humectant, solvent, and surfactant. It helps dissolve and blend other ingredients and can attract water to the skin's surface. A notable property is its versatility: it can function as a carrier, mild cleansing agent, or texture enhancer depending on the formula.

What does PEG-6 do in skincare?

PEG-6 functions as a humectant, solvent, and mild surfactant in skincare and sunscreen formulas. It helps dissolve and blend ingredients, can attract water to the skin's surface, and may support gentle cleansing or texture. Its exact role depends on how it is combined with other ingredients.

Is PEG-6 safe?

PEG-6 is widely used in cosmetics and is generally considered safe at the concentrations found in finished products. It is intended for external use in formulas. If you have specific sensitivities or concerns, it is best to consult a dermatologist.

Is PEG-6 natural or synthetic?

PEG-6 is synthetic. It is a polyethylene glycol made by linking ethylene oxide units, with an average of 6 units per molecule. It is produced industrially rather than sourced directly from nature.

Sunscreens with PEG-6

We rate 20 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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