PEG-45M (polyethylene glycol 45M, a high-molecular-weight polyethylene oxide) is a water-soluble polymer used in cosmetics primarily as a thickening, gelling, and texture-enhancing agent. It is considered a formulation/base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Generally well tolerated; occasional irritation reported, more likely on compromised skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | PEG compounds are rarely sensitizing; isolated case reports exist. |
| Enhanced penetration of other ingredients | Uncommon | PEGs may increase absorption of co-formulated substances, potentially affecting irritation on damaged skin. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.