PEGs are a very broad group of cosmetic ingredients. They are all derivatives of ethylene glycol. One of these derivatives is a compound called whose INCI name is PEG-8. The characteristic properties of PEG-8 include its ability to form emulsions, retain moisture and solubilise. Thanks to its properties, it is used in the cosmetic industry, construction, and in the production of fertilisers.
The group of synthetic ethylene oxide polymers is generally referred to as PEGs. These include derivatives of ethylene glycol that are formed by the condensation polymerisation reaction. The polymer chain structure for polyethylene glycols is varied. Depending on the number of ethylene glycol units in the molecule, “different” PEGs are distinguished. PEG-8 is therefore a lauric acid monoglyceride ethoxylated with 8 moles of ethylene oxide. The CAS number of the compound is 25322-68-3.
PEG-8 is a colourless liquid that dissolves well in water. Its characteristic feature are strong hygroscopic properties, which indirectly result in very good solubility of active substances. PEG-8 is an ethylene glycol derivative with the highest molecular mass and keeps liquid form at room temperature.
What is the purpose of PEG-8 in cosmetic products?
Emulsifier
The application of PEG-8 in cosmetics, personal care products or products used in various industries relies heavily on the emulsifying properties of the compound. Emulsifiers are substances that are responsible for stabilising formulations. Many cosmetics and industrial products require two naturally unmixable ingredients to be combined. These are usually oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions. Such combination necessitates the use of an emulsifier such as PEG-8 since it gives the right structure and texture to the product.
Humectant
As a humectant, PEG-8 is responsible for retaining a constant level of moisture. PEG-8 can absorb moisture and bind with water. Proper hydration is important, for example, for ensuring proper skin function. PEG-8 prevents the cosmetic formulation from drying (or crystallisation). It also serves as a solvent for other ingredients contained in cosmetics.
Solubiliser
The production of cosmetics involves mixing together ingredients of differing chemical nature in order to obtain a uniform texture of the formulation. The use of PEG-8 in the production process allows to accelerate the distribution of ingredients in the liquid base and to significantly improve the quality of the process. As a solubiliser,PEG-8 mediates the dissolution process. It is characterised by its ability to form a dispersion, which greatly facilitates the final application of the cosmetic formulation.
A number of advantages of PEG-8 make this surfactant readily used in industries other than the cosmetic industry. Industrial cleaning is an important field of industry that needs effective and efficient surfactants. PEG-8, with its good anti-electrostatic emulsifying properties, is a popular ingredient in products aimed for industrial cleaning. As an anti-electrostatic agent, it is also used in metalworking processes or in dye baths as a levelling agent.
Other applications of PEG-8:
An independent scientific body, Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), which evaluates the safety of certain chemicals in cosmetic formulations, has clearly identified PEG-8 as a safe substance. The chemicals that make up the ethylene glycol derivatives group are not toxic to the skin. Neither do they cause irritation or allergic reactions.
