Skip to content
CarCareTruth

Polyethylene Glycol

  • Polymers
  • CAS 25322-68-3
  • IUPAC: Poly(oxyethylene)

Polyethylene Glycol (CAS 25322-68-3) appears in 15 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Low acute toxicity. Generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by FDA for food and pharmaceutical applications. OEL exposure limits may apply for occupational dust exposure to solid PEG forms.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a water-soluble polymer used across consumer product, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. In car care products, PEG serves as a humectant, viscosity modifier, or emulsion stabilizer. Low acute toxicity and confirmed biodegradability for lower molecular weight grades. The SDS may note exposure limits for occupational handling of solid forms, but at typical liquid-product concentrations the health concern is negligible.

Related: Is Brake Fluid Toxic? Read the full SDS breakdown of the glycol-ether brake fluids this polymer appears in.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
4/5
Purpose: Humectant / viscosity modifier / emulsion stabilizer

Common questions about Polyethylene Glycol

What is Polyethylene Glycol used for in car care?
Humectant / viscosity modifier / emulsion stabilizer
Is Polyethylene Glycol a VOC?
No. Polyethylene Glycol is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Polyethylene Glycol on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Polyethylene Glycol is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Polyethylene Glycol biodegradable?
Yes. Polyethylene Glycol has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

15 products contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.