PEG-45

Polyoxyethylene glycol, Polyethylene glycol

PEG-45 is another compound from a broad group of surfactants. It is used in a number of applications thanks to its softening, lubricating, moisturizing and electrostatic properties. Frequent use in the cosmetics and food industry is the result of unique properties and physico-chemical characteristics. As one of the components, it is found in intimate gels, tanning preparations, flexographic paints etc.

PEG-45 – properties

PEG-45 is the INCI name of the polyoxyethylene glycol with the CAS number: 25322-68-3. It belongs to a broad group of chemicals known as PEG. In applications where it is used, it acts primarily as an emulsifier and wetting agent. The basic physico-chemical properties of PEG-45:

• in temperatures from 20ᵒC to 25ᵒC it is a white to light yellow wax,
• PEG-45 has a faint smell,
• the colour of a 25% solution reaches a maximum value of 30 in the Hazen scale (at room temperature),
• the molar mass of this compound is about 2000 g/mol,
• it dissolves in water in an unlimited proportion and in organic solvents such as low aliphatic alcohols, petroleum ether or chloroform,
• the solidification point of the pure compound reaches about 50ᵒC,
• the density at 20ᵒC is about 1.20 g/ml.

Effects in cosmetic products

Lipsticks and cream bases are examples of products that contain PEG-45 It acts as a solubilizer, lubricant and dispersant. As a solubilizer, it enables the introduction of substances that are insoluble or not easily soluble in an aqueous medium into aqueous solutions. Examples of such substances are fragrances, plant extracts and fatty substances. As a lubricant, it guarantees the right consistency of the cosmetic. In addition, PEG-45 is a dispersant and ensures even distribution of all formulation ingredients, which facilitates their subsequent efficient application. This is also influenced by a very good solubility in water. Therefore, PEG-45 is used to combine many active ingredients that make up a formulation.

Bar soaps contain PEG-45, which mainly acts as a plasticizer, giving the product appropriate flexibility and form. Additionally, as a binding agent it prevents soap from cracking .

PEG-45 is also included in intimate gels (lubricants), where its good lubricating properties are responsible for maintaining proper hydration and reducing friction.

PEG-45 is also used in hair sprays, gels, conditioners and preparations for colouring hair. It can also be found in tanning preparations. It is compatible with other popular moisturisers for use in cosmetics, such as cetyl alcohol and glycerin.

It is used in perfumes to make the fragrance last. PEG-45 causes the evaporation rate of these most volatile components to decrease. As a result, the fragrance lasts longer and only gradual changes in the smell occur.

Lubricants are used in the food industry to prevent drying. Such a function can be performed by, for example, POLIkol 2000 (trade name PEG-45 available from the PCC Group). PEG-45 has a positive opinion of international organizations such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). It allows the use of PEG-45 as an indirect food additive based on CFR 21 lists: 175.105, 175.210, 176.180 and 176.200.

Advantages of PEG-45

PEG-45 has a number of advantages, including:

• very good solubility in water and organic solvents;
• biodegradability;
• compatibility with moisturising agents (e.g. cetyl alcohol);
• versatility of applications;
• non-toxicity.