Are PEG and PPG in cosmetics safe?

An ingredient found in most cosmetic products

Do your favorite skin care products contain ingredients such as "PEG" or "PPG"? They are used in so many cosmetics that some people may even say, "They're in almost all the cosmetics I use."

But what exactly are these ingredients, why are they in there, and why are they so popular?

PEG and PPG are like sisters

PEG is short for "polyethylene glycol," and PPG is short for "polypropylene glycol," both of which are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum and were first created in the late 1860s.

Currently, PEG and PPG are widely used as emulsifiers and surfactants in cosmetics.
It is also used in pharmaceuticals as a drug delivery system (DDS) to deliver drugs to targeted areas in the body, such as in vaccines and subcutaneous injections.

Reference article: Skin penetration and side effects of PEG: How to choose safe cosmetics that are gentle on sensitive skin

When listed as a cosmetic ingredient, PEG and PPG are followed by a number, such as "PEG-10." The size of the number indicates the size of the molecule.

PEG is also often combined with other ingredients, such as:

• ether
• ester
• fatty acid
• Castor oil
• amino acid
• silicone

The ingredient names also change depending on the ingredients that are combined, as shown in the example below.

• Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters
• PEG-10 Dimethicone Crosspolymer
• PEG-20 Almond Glyceryl Stearate
• PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol - 8/5/3 Glycerin
• PEG/PPG-4/12 Dimethicone

By combining various raw materials, it is possible to create unique properties. Depending on the combination, the purpose and role of the compound can be varied.

For example, it is used for the following purposes:

• Thickener
• Stabilizers
• Penetration enhancers
• emulsifier
• Surfactants
• Skin conditioning agents
• Moisturizer

In other words, it gives cosmetics viscosity and helps other ingredients to penetrate better. It is also good at mixing oil-based and water-based ingredients and stabilizing them in a mixed state.

They do not necessarily have any cosmetic effect, but because they can provide useful functions at low cost, PEG and PPG have become popular ingredients in cosmetics.

Are PEG and PPG safe?

There are no clear answers regarding the safety or toxicity of PEG and PPG.

PEG itself is considered inert and non-toxic to the human body, so it is generally considered safe for all uses.
Many organizations around the world classify PEG and PPG as ingredients recognized as safe , which is why they are used in pharmaceuticals.

However, it is also true that some people question the safety of PEG and PPG.
The reason for this lies in the manufacturing process. When these ingredients are made, a toxic substance called 1,4-dioxane is produced.

Furthermore, the raw material (starting material) from which PEG and PPG are made is ethylene oxide , which is known to be highly toxic to the human body and carcinogenic.

Safety-conscious manufacturers will likely use PEG or PPG, which are undetectable impurities, but consumers have little way of knowing for sure what ingredients companies are using.

Environmental impact

PEG and PPG are also considered to have adverse effects on the human body and the environment after being discharged, because they may have low biodegradability and may accumulate in water.

Almost all cosmetic products, whether skin care products, make-up products or shampoos, end up in wastewater. If they don't break down in nature, PEGs and PPGs will accumulate in rivers, oceans, streams and lakes every day.

We have said that PEG and PPG are used in cosmetics to give them a viscous texture. What if, in the future, ocean and river water had a viscous texture?
Thinking about it like that makes you want to pay more attention to what you are draining.

Allergic reaction to PEG

Recent studies have shown that in rare cases, some people are allergic to PEG. This is the result of long-term, continuous use of PEG in cosmetics and medicines. Although the number is small, it suggests that hypersensitivity to PEG may be developing gradually.

How to avoid PEG and PPG

If you want to avoid these ingredients, first check the full ingredient list carefully.

Of course, if you see ingredients with names like PEG or PPG, you should avoid them, but there are other ingredients that you should avoid as well.
For example, ingredients such as " ceteareth " and "laureth" are members of the PEG family, but their names are completely different. If you didn't know, you wouldn't know they were members of the PEG family.

In addition, because these ingredients are synthetic, they are generally not used in organically certified cosmetics. If you want to avoid them, it is best to choose organic cosmetics or cosmetics that are clearly labeled "PEG-free" or " synthetic polymer- free."

summary

Knowing the facts outlined in this article, should you avoid PEGs and PPGs?

The answer depends on each person's point of view. These ingredients have their advantages. And of course, they also have unforeseen risks. It's up to you to consider them comprehensively and decide for yourself whether you should avoid them or not.

Advantages of PEG and PPG

It is virtually non-toxic to the human body. It is found in countless products and has a long history of use. There are many experts who preach its safety.

Risks of PEG and PPG

There is a possibility that carcinogens may be present or remain. There is a possibility that biodegradability is low. There is insufficient safety data or research when combined with other ingredients.

What decision will you make?