PEG-45M
Is PEG-45M safe for seborrheic dermatitis?
PEG-45M is generally a lower-concern ingredient for seborrheic dermatitis. It helps bind water and control texture, and it is not a seb derm treatment or a fatty oil.
No direct human seb derm or ingredient-specific Malassezia evidence was found. As a large water-loving polymer, it is mainly present for formula feel rather than biological activity. The finished product can still sting or irritate for other reasons, so judge the whole ingredient list and how the product performs on your skin.
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What is it?
A quick identity check, separate from the seb derm guidance above.
01 / 05- Material type
- High-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol
- Ingredient family
- PEG thickener
- Cosmetic function
- Humectant
What is PEG-45M used for in skincare?
PEG-45M is a very large polyethylene glycol polymer used to hold water and adjust the thickness and slip of a formula. It can help a gel, cleanser or cream feel smoother and spread more evenly. It is normally combined with humectants, surfactants and other thickeners as a behind-the-scenes texture ingredient.