PEG compounds in cosmetics: why it's flagged
Short answer
PEG compounds is flagged by Olive Detective as a low concern in cosmetics. Penetration enhancers; may carry 1,4-dioxane / ethylene-oxide traces. The flag is class-level and precautionary, based on EWG; CIR (impurity concern) — it describes the ingredient class, not the safety of any particular product.
What the concern is
- other — flagged for review.
How it appears on an INCI list
Cosmetic labels use INCI names, which are standardised worldwide, so the same wording appears on a product bought anywhere. This class is matched on peg.
How it affects the score
Cosmetic scoring follows the Yuka method: a product with only green and yellow ingredients has its score floored at 50, any orange ingredient caps it below 50, and any red caps it below 25. This ingredient is yellow, so it does not cap a product's score by itself.
Source: EWG; CIR (impurity concern)
Other cosmetic ingredients we flag
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