What Is Peg-14?
Peg-14 is a member of the polyethylene glycol (PEG) family, a group of water-soluble polymers created by linking together repeating units of ethylene oxide. With an average chain length of 14 units, Peg-14 sits in the mid-range of the PEG series, giving it a balanced feel that is neither too heavy nor too light on the skin. Most commercial supplies start with ethylene glycol sourced from petroleum or, less commonly, plant-derived feedstocks. Through a controlled ethoxylation process, manufacturers add exactly enough ethylene oxide molecules to reach the desired average size of 14. The result is a clear, odorless, slightly viscous liquid that blends easily with water and many organic solvents.
PEGs first entered cosmetic formulations in the 1940s as safer, more stable alternatives to earlier solubilizers. Over time formulators noticed their useful ability to draw in and hold water, which led to broader adoption in moisturizers and personal care products. Today Peg-14 appears in facial creams, lotions, sheet masks, cleansing balms, micellar waters, makeup removers, hair conditioners and styling aids. Its mildness, versatility and compatibility with both water-based and oil-based ingredients make it a quiet workhorse behind many popular products on store shelves.
Peg-14’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators choose Peg-14 for a couple of practical reasons that improve both product performance and user experience.
- Humectant – Peg-14 attracts moisture from the surrounding air and helps bind it to the skin or hair surface. This supports lasting hydration, keeps formulas from drying out in the jar and can give products a smoother glide during application.
- Solvent – Its ability to dissolve a wide range of water-soluble and some oil-soluble ingredients lets Peg-14 act as a carrier for actives, fragrances and colors. This helps create clear, stable solutions or uniform emulsions, leading to products that feel consistent from the first pump to the last.
Who Can Use Peg-14
Peg-14 is considered suitable for most skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily because it is water soluble and lightweight. Even sensitive skin usually tolerates it well since it is non-fragrant and has a low rate of irritation. Those with highly compromised or broken skin should be cautious, as any PEG can enter deeper layers more easily when the skin barrier is damaged.
Peg-14 is produced from ethylene oxide and contains no animal-derived substances, so it is generally regarded as vegan and vegetarian friendly. Still, people who prefer exclusively plant-based sourcing should check with the individual brand because some suppliers start with petroleum while others use plant feedstocks.
No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women when Peg-14 is used in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics. It is considered low risk, but this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should run their entire skincare routine past a doctor to be certain it meets their personal needs.
Peg-14 does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it is not classified as a photosensitizer. It also has no known conflicts with common active ingredients like retinol or vitamin C, which lets formulators pair it with a wide range of products.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Peg-14 can vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential reactions, but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Mild redness or stinging
- Temporary itching or tightness
- Contact dermatitis in rare cases of sensitivity to PEGs
- Increased penetration of other ingredients, which could heighten irritation from harsher actives present in the same formula
If you notice any of these effects stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Peg-14 is highly water soluble and does not form a heavy, occlusive film on the skin. Its small molecular size and quick rinsability mean it is unlikely to clog pores, yet it is still a synthetic polymer so a very small chance of buildup exists, hence the score of 1 rather than 0. Overall, Peg-14 is considered suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Because Peg-14 can help other ingredients penetrate a bit better, people who react to certain actives should check the full ingredient list for potential irritants that might be enhanced by its presence.
Summary
Peg-14 serves mainly as a humectant and solvent. Its chain of 14 ethylene oxide units attracts water, locking light moisture on the skin or hair surface while also keeping formulas from drying out in the jar. At the same time its excellent solvency dissolves fragrances, dyes and active molecules so they disperse evenly and stay stable.
This mid-sized PEG is a quiet favorite among formulators, popping up in everything from micellar cleansers to leave-in conditioners, yet it rarely gets a spotlight because it works behind the scenes without adding texture or scent.
Current safety reviews find Peg-14 low risk for most people when used as directed in cosmetics. It is generally non-comedogenic, non-sensitizing and safe for daily use. As with any new skincare ingredient it is smart to do a quick patch test to confirm personal compatibility.