CarCareTruth

Polyethylene Glycol

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

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.

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

5 products contain this

Health summaries are editorial — we synthesize from SDSs, peer-reviewed sources, and regulatory listings. Not medical advice.