PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols)
The question

Is PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols) safe in conditioner?

AvoidConditioner

Petroleum-derived compounds used as emulsifiers and humectants. Can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide — both carcinogenic.

What the research flags

  • 1,4-dioxane contamination (probable carcinogen, EPA Group B2)
  • Ethylene oxide contamination (IARC Group 1 carcinogen)
  • May enhance skin penetration of other chemicals
  • Petroleum-derived

Regulatory
Ethoxylation process can introduce 1,4-dioxane (IARC Group 2B)

Other conditioner ingredients on file

Sources & references

  1. [1]
    DatabaseIngredient database — 703883-PEG-40_HYDROGENATED_CASTOR_OIL
  2. [2]
    RegulatoryUS federal agency — 14-dioxane-cosmetics
  3. [3]
    Peer-reviewedPubMed / NCBI — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · ref 21209697

Research disclaimer: Ratings reflect peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments available at the time of publication, not the dose or formulation of any specific conditioner product. This is not medical advice.