What is PEG?

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), also known as Polyethylene Oxide (PEO) or Polyoxyethylene (POE), is a general term for ethylene glycol polymers containing α, ω-dihydroxyl groups.

The chemical formula of PEG can be expressed as HO(CH₂CH₂O)ₙH, where n represents the degree of polymerization, which determines the molecular weight of the polymer. Depending on the molecular weight, PEG can appear as a colorless, odorless viscous liquid, semi-solid, or waxy solid. Low-molecular-weight PEGs (e.g., with molecular weights of 200-600) are liquids at room temperature, while high-molecular-weight PEGs (e.g., above 600) gradually become semi-solids or solids. This polymeric compound exhibits broad application prospects and significant value in various fields such as chemistry, medicine, cosmetics, and industrial manufacturing.

PEG boasts excellent lubricity, moisturizing properties, and dispersibility, making it suitable as a softener and antistatic agent. It has extensive applications in industries such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, chemical fibers, rubber, plastics, papermaking, paint, electroplating, pesticides, metal processing, and food processing.

Cosmetics Industry:

Due to its good water solubility and lubricity, PEG is widely used in cosmetics. Low-molecular-weight PEGs are commonly used as wetting agents and viscosity modifiers in products like lipsticks, deodorant sticks, soaps, shaving creams, foundations, and beauty cosmetics. In cleansers, PEG also serves as a suspending and thickening agent, helping to form a stable suspension system.

Pharmaceutical Industry:

PEG has equally extensive applications in the pharmaceutical industry. It is used as a base for ointments, emulsions, creams, lotions, and suppositories, widely found in various drug formulations such as injections, topical preparations, ophthalmic preparations, oral, and rectal preparations. Additionally, PEG functions as a film-coating agent, tablet lubricant, and controlled-release material, enhancing drug stability and bioavailability.

Other Industrial Applications:

PEG also finds applications in industries such as chemical fibers, rubber, plastics, papermaking, paint, electroplating, pesticides, metal processing, and food processing. Its excellent lubricity and dispersibility make PEG an indispensable additive in these industries.

In summary, as a versatile polymeric compound, PEG demonstrates significant application value in various fields, including chemistry, medicine, and cosmetics. Aosen New Material is a professional and reliable supplier and manufacturer of PEG. If you are interested in our products, please feel free to inquire about samples.