PEG-8
A lightweight polyethylene glycol that draws moisture into skin and helps dissolve other ingredients. Published safety reviews support its use; concerns about absorption through skin are overstated for leave-on formulations.
PEG ingredients are rumored to absorb through skin and accumulate in the body, or to be inherently contaminated with 1,4-dioxane. The high molecular weight of PEGs limits skin penetration, manufacturers screen for dioxane contaminants, and regulatory bodies have repeatedly reviewed PEGs and determined them acceptable at cosmetic levels.
Products with PEG-8
References
Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.