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PEG-free options for emulsifier systems

Every few months new claims of ‘free-from’ products become trendy and desired. Fragrance-free, paraben-free, preservativefree, oil-free, etc. It seems now it is time for PEG-free formulations.

PEGs are the most frequently used emulsifiers in personal care products and decorative cosmetics. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) esters are manufactured by reacting a polyethylene glycol with a fatty acid. Depending on the manufacturing processes, PEGs may be contaminated with some amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.1 The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies ethylene oxide as a known human carcinogen and 1,4-dioxane as a possible human carcinogen. Ethylene oxide can also harm the nervous system as it is not easily degraded and can remain in the environment long after it is rinsed down a shower drain. While carcinogenic contaminants are the primary concerns, PEG compounds themselves show some evidence of genotoxicity2 and if used on damaged skin can cause irritation and systemic toxicity. For these reasons PEGs are now substituted by emulsifiers based on more ‘eco friendly’ sources. 

Raw material suppliers have announced the development of many new innovative ethylene oxide-free compounds. Considering the product benefits that we want to include in our formulations there is a lot of different types of emulsifying system solutions available on the market. The growing interest in limiting the use of polyethylene oxide components encourage raw material producers to develop ingredients with EO, BDIH or Natrue certification in response to constantly changing customer demand. 

This article presents the most commonly used ones with a broad variety of chemical structures and properties. I choose only a couple of examples which are recommended for personal care products but also for decorative cosmetics. Below are some of them.

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Upcoming Events

in-cosmetics Global

Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
16th – 18th April 2024

NYSCC Suppliers' Day 2024

Javits Center, New York
1st - 2nd May 2024

9th Anti-Ageing Skin Care Conference

Royal College of Physicians, London
25th - 26th June 2024

in-cosmetics Korea 2024

Hall C, Coex, Seoul, South Korea
24th - 26th July 2024

in-cosmetics Latin America 2024

São Paulo, Brazil
25th - 26th September 2024

IFSCC 2024

Recanto das Cataratas Thermas Resort, Iguazu Falls, Brazil
14th - 17th October 2024

Access the latest issue of Personal Care Magazine on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Personal Care Magazine app from your device's App store

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