Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives are widely used in cosmetics as surfactants, cleansing agents, emulsifiers, skin conditioners, and humectants. Adding to their use in cosmetics, many PEG compounds also have other applications.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a product with industrial and pharmaceutical uses. Since many PEG compounds are hydrophilic, industrially, they are utilized in cosmetic products as surfactants, emulsifiers, cleansing agents, humectants, and skin conditioners. [1] As a medication, PEG is a part of the laxative class.