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Ingredient deep-dive

PEG (Polyethylene Glycol): Is It a Microplastic?

Medium concernPEG / glycol

Synthetic polymer / surfactant family. Often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane during manufacture.

Where it appears

  • Moisturizers
  • Sunscreens (as emulsifier)
  • Shampoos and conditioners
  • Toothpaste (as thickener)

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Permitted but ethylene oxide impurities and 1,4-dioxane contamination flagged in ongoing safety review.

United States

FDA permits cosmetic use; California Prop 65 requires 1,4-dioxane labeling above threshold.

Cleaner alternatives

  • Glycerin
  • Sorbitol
  • Plant-derived emulsifying wax NF

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PEG (Polyethylene Glycol), common questions

Is PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) a microplastic?

Yes: it is classified as a synthetic polymer. Synthetic polymer / surfactant family. Often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane during manufacture.

Is PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) banned?

EU: Permitted but ethylene oxide impurities and 1,4-dioxane contamination flagged in ongoing safety review. US: FDA permits cosmetic use; California Prop 65 requires 1,4-dioxane labeling above threshold.

What can I use instead of PEG (Polyethylene Glycol)?

Cleaner alternatives include: Glycerin; Sorbitol; Plant-derived emulsifying wax NF.

What products contain PEG (Polyethylene Glycol)?

Commonly found in: Moisturizers; Sunscreens (as emulsifier); Shampoos and conditioners; Toothpaste (as thickener).

Related ingredients

PPG (Polypropylene Glycol)

PEG / glycol · Medium concern

Synthetic polymer in the propylene glycol family.

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PEG-100 Stearate

PEG / glycol · Low concern

Ethoxylated emulsifier, one of the most common in lotions. Not a microplastic. The real question with PEGs is manufacturing purity, since ethoxylation can leave traces of 1,4-dioxane, a probable human carcinogen.

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PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

PEG / glycol · Low concern

Ethoxylated castor oil used to dissolve fragrance and oils into water. Plant-derived backbone, ethoxylated. Not a microplastic; the concern is 1,4-dioxane purity.

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PEG-12 Dimethicone

PEG / glycol · Low concern

Water-dispersible silicone made by attaching PEG chains to a siloxane. Neither part is a microplastic, but it inherits the ethoxylate purity question.

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