PEG-10

PEG-10 is a short-chain polyethylene glycol made of roughly ten ethylene oxide units with high water solubility. It binds moisture, dissolves certain actives, and fine-tunes viscosity in water-based skincare and haircare products.
Like this ingredient?

Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A water-binding ingredient that keeps skin feeling light and fresh.
Category
Hydration
Type
Humectant

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Attracts and retains water on the skin for a light, refreshed feel. Aids clarity and uniformity in watery formulas without heaviness.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Often found in toners, essences, and gel serums to boost hydration in water-based systems. Also used in micellar waters to assist in dissolving water-compatible actives.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Typically safe at cosmetic use levels, though low-molecular-weight PEGs can occasionally sting or irritate sensitive or barrier-impaired skin. Patch test if prone to reactivity. No common regulatory restrictions at standard usage.

Is PEG-10 a Good Ingredient?

Rated Fair: it offers modest humectancy and solvent utility, but its standalone skin benefits are limited compared with more substantive humectants, and it may cause mild stinging or irritation on very sensitive or compromised skin at higher levels, which keeps it below Good.

Products with PEG-10

Related Ingredients