PEG-32 is a chemical compound.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• PEG stands for Polyethylene Glycol, a synthetic polymer used in a variety of products, from cosmetics to pharmaceuticals. It is known for its solubilizing and wetting properties, making it useful as an emollient, solvent, and viscosity control agent.
• 32 indicates the average molecular weight of the polymer, which in this case is around 1500 Daltons. This number helps determine the physical properties of the PEG, such as solubility and viscosity.

Raw Materials Used in the Production

Raw Materials - PEG-32, or polyethylene glycol of medium molecular weight, is primarily produced from ethylene oxide

Functions of Raw Materials

Ethylene Oxide - It is the basic monomer for polymerization leading to the formation of PEG-32

Industrial Chemical Synthesis Process

• Preparation - Ethylene oxide is prepared through industrial chemical processes
• Polymerization - Ethylene oxide undergoes polymerization to form PEG-32
• Molecular Weight Control - During polymerization, the molecular weight of PEG is controlled to obtain PEG-32
• Purification - The produced PEG-32 is purified to remove impurities

PEG-32 appears as a colorless viscous liquid.

What it is for and where

Cosmetics

Humectant. Hygroscopic compound used to minimise water loss in the skin and to prevent it from drying out by facilitating faster and greater absorption of water into the stratum corneum of the epidermis.  The epidermis is the most superficial of the three layers that make up human skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis) and is the layer that maintains hydration in all three layers. In turn, the epidermis is composed of five layers: horny, the most superficial, granular, spinous, shiny, and basal. Humectants have the ability to retain the water they attract from the air in the stratum corneum and have the function of moisturising the skin. They are best used before emollients, which are oil-based.

Solvent. It is the substance for dissolving or dispersing surfactants, oils, dyes, flavourings, bactericidal preservatives in solution.In fact, it dissolves other components present in a cosmetic formulation. Solvents are generally liquid (aqueous and non-aqueous).

CAS   25322-68-3