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Ingredient dictionary

PEG-12

Also listed as: Polyethylene glycol

PEG-12 is a water-soluble polymer made by linking ethylene oxide units. It acts mainly as a humectant, solvent and emollient in creams and cleansers. It is on the label of 1 product in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

What PEG-12 does

  • Holds water in the formula
  • Helps blend ingredients together
  • Adds a smooth, slippery feel

PEG-12 is made by linking many small ethylene oxide units into one long chain. The 12 in its name refers to the average number of those repeating units. Makers start from a small starter molecule and control the chain length so each batch stays consistent.

Formulators use it because it draws water into a formula and helps skin feel soft. It can also help blend ingredients that do not mix well on their own. Its texture is smooth and slightly slippery, and it rinses away cleanly, which makes it common in creams, lotions and washes.

Good for

Suits most skin and hair types, since it is a common, mild ingredient in creams, lotions and rinse-off products.

Frequently asked questions

Is PEG-12 safe for skin?

PEG-12 is widely used in cosmetics and is generally considered well tolerated. Like any ingredient, it can rarely bother someone with a sensitivity, so patch testing a new product is a sensible habit. If stinging or redness appears, stop using it and check with a doctor.

Is PEG-12 the same as PEG-12 dimethicone?

No. PEG-12 dimethicone is a silicone that carries PEG chains, so it behaves more like a silicone and is used for slip and spreadability. Plain PEG-12 is a water-soluble polymer on its own.

Products with PEG-12

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