Poly Ethylene Glycol 600 (PEG 600)

POLY ETHYLENE GLYCOL 600 (PEG 600) – A VERSATILE POLYOL FOR COSMETICS, PHARMACEUTICALS AND INDUSTRY

Poly Ethylene Glycol 600 (PEG 600) is a clear, colourless polyol fully miscible with water, with an average molecular weight of about 570–630. It is used as a solvent, humectant and lubricant in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and many industries.

PRODUCT INFORMATION / Introduced packaging: industrial drums. The product is a clear, slightly viscous liquid fully miscible with water. Acceptance criteria must be based on the COA of the actual batch delivered.

1. What Is POLY ETHYLENE GLYCOL 600 (PEG 600)?

Poly Ethylene Glycol 600 (PEG 600) is a polymer with the general formula HO(C2H4O)nH, n about 12–14, and an average molecular weight of 570–630. It is a clear, colourless liquid fully miscible with water, ethanol and many organic solvents. Thanks to its high compatibility and low toxicity, PEG 600 is used as a solvent, humectant, lubricant and base in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, textiles and many industries.

2. Product Identification and Technical Data

Property	Information
Product name	Poly Ethylene Glycol 600 (PEG 600)
Common names	PEG-12; Macrogol 600
General formula	HO(C2H4O)nH (n ≈ 12 – 14)
CAS No.	25322-68-3
EC No.	500-038-2
Average molecular weight	570 – 630
Appearance	Clear, colourless liquid
Odour	Characteristic mild
Solubility	Fully miscible with water, ethanol and many solvents
Flash point	> 200°C
Packaging	Industrial drums
Origin shown on packaging	China / Korea / Malaysia

2.1. Typical Commercial Specifications

Parameter	Typical reference
Average molecular weight	570 – 630
Density (20°C)	1.126 – 1.128
Viscosity (20°C)	150 – 190 mPa.s
Hydroxyl value	178 – 196 mg KOH/g
pH (5% solution)	6.0 – 7.0
Flash point	> 200°C
Melting point	17 – 22°C
Moisture	≤ 1.0%
Other parameters	According to batch COA

TECHNICAL NOTICE / The values in this document are provided for reference only and do not replace the TDS, SDS or COA. Acceptance must be verified against the documentation of the actual delivered batch.

3. Key Features

• Fully miscible with water and many organic solvents.
• Low toxicity and good biocompatibility.
• Good humectant and lubricating properties.
• High chemical stability.
• Broad applications from cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to industry.

4. Applications

4.1. Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals

• Humectant and base in cosmetics.
• Solvent and excipient in pharmaceuticals.
• Lubricant in personal care products.
• Base in ointments and creams.
• Component in skin and hair care products.

4.2. Industrial Applications

• Lubricant in textiles and processing.
• Solvent and dispersant in industry.
• Component in adhesives, paints and inks.
• Humectant in paper and leather production.

4.3. Other Applications

• Lubricant and conditioning agent in many production processes.

5. Instructions for Use

• Use according to the technical guidance and recommended parameters of the manufacturer.
• Blend only with materials whose compatibility has been assessed.
• Perform compatibility and small-scale tests before full-scale production.
• Check shelf life, container condition and labels before use.
• Do not mix with incompatible chemicals without a technical assessment.

6. Safety, Storage and Transportation

• Wear gloves, safety goggles and protective clothing when transferring or handling PEG 600.
• Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid prolonged skin and eye contact.
• Store in a dry, cool warehouse; keep drums on pallets and away from direct sunlight.
• Keep containers closed to prevent moisture absorption (especially for hygroscopic materials).
• Separate from strong oxidisers and incompatible chemicals.
• Do not discharge large quantities into drains, surface water or groundwater.
• Protect cargo from rain, secure the load and keep labels intact.
• In case of eye contact, rinse with clean water for at least 15 minutes. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting and seek medical attention.

7. Selection and Acceptance Criteria

• Verify the COA of the actual delivered batch against the technical requirements.
• Check appearance, colour, clarity and visible impurities.
• Check container condition, seals, labels and traceability information.
• Review the SDS for storage and emergency handling.
• Check homogeneity, water-insoluble matter and batch-specific parameters.

8. Frequently Asked Questions