A – Z of Toxicity in our home – PEG compounds

Polyethylene glycol is a family of petroleum compounds widely used in cosmetics as thickeners, moisture-carriers, solvents and softeners.
As a penetration enhancer, it allows other harmful compounds often found in PEGs to be absorbed by our skin.
This includes 1,4-dioxane which is a known carcinogen, as well as heavy metals such as lead, cobalt, iron, arsenic and cadmium.
PEGs are followed by a number correlating to the number of ethylene glycol units in it, as well as its absorbency rate.
The lower the number the higher its ability to be absorbed by our skin.
Problems associated with it:
- Systemic toxicity and if used on broken skin it can cause irritation
Found in:
- Cosmetics as cream bases

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Published by Editor