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Skincare Ingredient

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Peg-14m

In Skincare: Is Peg-14m Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Safety (overall safety)
2/5 — Low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
2/5 — Low risk

Safety Information

Polyethylene glycol polymer used as thickener binder; CIR reviews PEGs as generally safe at cosmetic use levels. However, PEG-14M may cause mild to moderate irritation in sensitive individuals and has limited safety data regarding long-term or high-concentration use.

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a family of polymers derived from ethylene glycol. These polymers are formed by linking together multiple units of ethylene glycol. The number following “PEG” indicates the average molecular weight of the polymer – for example, PEG-14M has an average molecular weight of 14,000 units. PEG polymers are commonly found in a broad range of cosmetic and personal care products, including bath products, shaving creams, skincare formulations, makeup, cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, and deodorants.
Classifications
Emulsifier

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

Polyethylene glycols are polymers created by the reaction of ethylene glycol. Their names reflect their average molecular weight; for instance, PEG-25M represents a polymer with an average of 25,000 ethylene glycol units. Molecular weights can also be expressed using alternative designations (e.g., PEG-8 is also known as Polyethylene Glycol 400).

Common Uses

Formulation in Peg-14m

Polyethylene glycols are utilized in cosmetics for a variety of purposes, including emolliency, humectancy (drawing moisture to the skin), solvent properties, and as a viscosity modifier. Due to their versatility, they are incorporated into numerous product types to achieve desired textures and performance characteristics.

Role of Peg-14m

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

BINDING

Ingredient Binder

Holds ingredients together in solid products

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Binding agents provide cohesion and structural integrity in compressed or formed solid products. These include hydrophilic binders (gums, cellulose derivatives, PVP) that swell and create adhesive films, lipophilic binders (waxes, oils) that melt and solidify to cement particles, or polymeric binders. The mechanism involves particle-particle adhesion through van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, or mechanical interlocking.

EMULSION STABILISING

Emulsion Stabilizer

Prevents oil and water mixtures from separating

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Emulsion stabilizers maintain dispersion of immiscible phases by preventing droplet coalescence through interfacial film formation, electrostatic repulsion, steric stabilization, viscosity enhancement, or network formation. Stabilizers include polymers (carbomers, xanthan gum), proteins, and modified celluloses. The combination of primary emulsifiers with secondary stabilizers creates robust lamellar liquid crystalline structures.

VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Thickness Regulator

Adjusts product thickness and flow properties

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Viscosity controlling ingredients modify product flow characteristics through thickening or thinning. Thickeners include natural gums (xanthan, guar), synthetic polymers (carbomers, acrylates), and inorganic thickeners (silica, clays). Mechanism varies: polymer chain entanglement, hydrogen bonding networks, particle association, or swelling. Rheology modifiers create desired texture, prevent separation, control application properties, and affect sensory perception. Can produce Newtonian (constant viscosity) or non-Newtonian (shear-thinning, thixotropic) flow behavior.

Products

containing Peg-14m

174 formulations
Calming Care Cleansing Gel To Foam
Calming Care Cleansing Gel To Foam
Banobagi · cleanser
Men+Care Deep Clean + Facial Cleanser Exfoliating Face Wash
Men+Care Deep Clean + Facial Cleanser Exfoliating Face Wash
Dove · exfoliators
Holiday Party Animals Sheet Masks - Beagle
Holiday Party Animals Sheet Masks - Beagle
Ulta · masks
Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Peg-14m — common questions

What is Peg-14m in skincare?

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a family of polymers derived from ethylene glycol. These polymers are formed by linking together multiple units of ethylene glycol. The number following “PEG” indicates the average molecular weight of the polymer – for example, PEG-14M has an average molecular weight of 14,000 units. PEG polymers are commonly found in a broad range of cosmetic and personal care products, including bath products, shaving creams, skincare formulations, makeup, cleansers, shampoos, con

What does Peg-14m do? / Functions of Peg-14m?

Common functions: BINDING, EMULSION STABILISING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING.

What is the comedogenic rating of Peg-14m? / Is Peg-14m comedogenic?

The comedogenic rating of Peg-14m has not been established in our database.

Does it clog pores?
No Rating Available

Whether Peg-14m clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.

Is Peg-14m safe for skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Peg-14m has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Polyethylene glycol polymer used as thickener binder; CIR reviews PEGs as generally safe at cosmetic use levels. However, PEG-14M may cause mild to moderate irritation in sensitive individuals and has

Is Peg-14m good for sensitive skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Peg-14m has an irritancy rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally well-tolerated.

What are the side effects of Peg-14m in skincare?

Known considerations: Polyethylene glycol polymer used as thickener binder; CIR reviews PEGs as generally safe at cosmetic use levels. However, PEG-14M may cause mild to moderate irritation in sensitive individuals and has limited safety data regarding long-term or high-concentration use.

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