So far we have discussed the potential harm of the following
common personal care product ingredients:
artificial colorants, artificial fragrances, and DEA. Today we will take a look at
polyethylene glycol, normally seen on the ingredient list as PEG followed by a
number.
What is polyethylene glycol (PEG)?
Polyethylene, the most common form of plastic, is a mixture
of several compounds, or polymers that have been bonded together. When glycol is added, it becomes a
thick and sticky liquid.1
Why is polyethylene glycol (PEG) used?
PEGs serve three main purposes in skin care products: (1) they act as emollients, which help
to soften and lubricate the skin; (2) they act as emulsifiers, which help
water-based and oil-based ingredients mix more readily; and (3) they help
deliver other ingredients deeper into the skin.1 Polyethylene glycols also
function as surfactants, reducing the surface tension of other molecules3;
cleansing agents; skin conditioners; and humectants, which promote the
retention of moisture.4, 2
What does the number after PEG mean?
Whenever you see polyethylene glycol on the ingredient list,
it is normally shown as PEG followed by a number. The number refers to the approximate molecular weight of the
compound. Most cosmetics use PEGs
of smaller molecular weights, because they penetrate the skin more easily.1
Does polyethylene glycol (PEG) cause cancer?
Most studies report no link to cancer from polyethylene
glycol (PEG). What they don’t tell
you is that PEG compounds are frequently contaminated with various impurities
that often are carcinogenic (cancer causing) or are equally hazardous.
What impurities are most often associated with polyethylene glycol (PEG)?
“According to a report in the International Journal of
Toxicology by the cosmetic industry’s own Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
committee, impurities found in various PEG compounds included ethylene oxide;
1,4-dioxane; polycyclic aromatic compounds; and heavy metals such as lead,
iron, cobalt, nickel, cadmium, and arsenic."2
What harm do these impurities cause?
Ethylene oxide
increases the incidences of uterine and breast cancer and of leukemia and brain
cancer, according to the National Toxicology Program’s Eighth Annual Report on
Carcinogens. Cancers of
the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, bladder, and nervous system and Hodgkin’s
disease have all been associated with exposure to ethylene oxide.2
Small amounts of ethylene oxide are often found in PEG compounds.
1,4-Dioxane is a
known carcinogen and has been linked with increased incidence of liver, lung,
and skin tumors and gallbladder cancer.
Polycyclic aromatic
compounds are also known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These compounds are known to cause
breast and other cancers.
Heavy metals will
be discussed more thoroughly in a separate article. For now, I will only say that some have been linked to
cancer; others have been linked to learning disabilities, behavior problems,
hormonal and reproductive changes, and neurological problems.5
What are the other health concerns of using products containing PEGs?
Enhanced penetration
effect: as mentioned earlier,
one of the main functions of polyethylene glycol is to help other ingredients
penetrate the skin more deeply.
This effect gives the body greater exposure to other potentially harmful
ingredients.
Irritation to
sensitive skin, or contact dermatitis, has also been associated with
polyethylene glycol.
How to avoid PEGs
·
Read ingredient lists carefully on everything
you buy. Be aware that even,
so-called “natural” products often contain polyethylene glycol.
·
Buy organic whenever possible
·
Make your own products, using natural ingredients
·
Shop at www.naturalhomemadesoap.net
Source:
2 Dangers of PEG Compounds in Cosmetics, Women at Increased Breast
Cancer Risk?, www.phend.co.za/health/Chemical5.htm
3 Surfactant, www.thefreedictionary.com/surfactant
4
Humectant,
www.thefreedictionary.com/humectant
5
Lead and
Other Heavy Metals, www.safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=292
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