PEG-34, also called macrogol 1500, is used mostly in the pharmaceutical industry, as it meets a number of stringent requirements. For example, it is present in laxative preparations. On a smaller scale, PEG-34 is a component of cosmetics and care products. It acts as a solvent, solubiliser or moisturiser there.
PEG-34 is an INCI name for polyethylene glycol. The compound is also called macrogol 1500. The unique number given to compounds that are components in cosmetic products, i.e. the CAS number, for PEG-34 is 25322-68-3. Similarly to the other compounds in the broad group of polyoxyethylene glycols, it has a wide range of applications. It mainly acts as a solvent and solubiliser. In its extensive product range, the PCC Group — Grupa PCC offers PEG-34 under the trade name of POLIkol 1500PF manufactured by PCC Exol S.A.
The most important physical and chemical properties of PEG-34:
First of all PEG-34 has very good softening, solubilising, moisturising and stabilising properties. An excellent solubility in water determines the use of the compound to bind active substances in many cosmetic products. PEG-34 is classified as high molecular weight PEGs. When added to a formulation, it improves its rheological properties, i.e. increases its viscosity due to the above-mentioned structure of the molecule.
PEG-34 meets stringent product requirements set out in the latest edition of the European Pharmacopoeia. Thus it is classified as what is known as macrogols. Macrogols such as PEG-34 are ingredients of laxative preparations. Their advantage is that they are not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; as they stop in the gastrointestinal tract, they have an osmotic effect and also retain water. In the case of mineral salt deficiencies, they are often administered with electrolytes. Moreover, macrogols are used in ointment, dermocosmetics and other pharmaceutical formulations. Macrogols are usually combined with low molecular weight polyethylene glycols. As a result, we obtain a blend with a greasy consistency, that provides a base for ointments.
Similarly to other compounds that belong to the group of polyethylene glycols, PEG-34 is a good solvent, solubiliser or moisturiser. The most important advantage is that it meets a number of stringent quality requirements set out in the European Pharmacopoeia and thus is a component used in the pharmaceutical industry. This is also due to its non-toxicity and safety of use. Moreover, marketed products of PEG-34, such as POLIkol 1500PF, are paraben-free, nanomaterials-free and GMO-free and thus are readily chosen by producers.
You can find PEG-34 in products such as ointments and creams, tablets dermocosmetics, make-up removers, mascaras, regenerating sera or hair styling preparations. There spectrum of applications is wide and PEG-34 performes specific functions in each of the above-mentioned products.
