โ† Back to Dictionary
Functional / Support

PEG-8

Often labeled as: Polyethylene Glycol 400

The deep-driving solvent and humectant.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ
Overall Safety Safe
๐Ÿ‘ถ
Pregnancy Safety Safe
๐Ÿ•ณ๏ธ
Comedogenic (0-5) 0 / 5
โšก
Irritancy (0-5) 0 / 5

๐Ÿ”ฌ How It Actually Works

A low-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol. It acts as an incredible solvent for difficult ingredients (like Vitamin C) while simultaneously drawing water into the skin.

๐Ÿ’– Why your skin loves it

Boosts the penetration of active ingredients and provides hydration.

๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip

Crucial for formulating stable, water-free Vitamin C serums.

โš–๏ธ Myth vs. Fact

The Myth

PEGs are always contaminated with carcinogens.

The Science

Cosmetic grade PEG-8 is highly purified and perfectly safe.

๐Ÿงด Formulations featuring PEG-8

โ˜… 8.0
Tea Tree Oil & Acne Control Cleanser
Aiken
Tea Tree Oil & Acne Control Cleanser
Cleanser

A highly traditional, heavy-duty saponified foam cleanser. Relying on a matrix of Myristic, Stearic, and Lauric acids neutralized by Potassium Hydroxide, it creates a massive, dense lather that forcefully strips away stubborn afternoon oil. While highly effective at cutting through intense grease, this alkaline base temporarily raises the skins natural pH. It includes Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) and Salicylic Acid as active acne fighters, making it suitable for thick, robust, hyper-oily teenage profiles.

โ˜… 8.0
Vita-C Bright Facial Cleanser
Aiken
Vita-C Bright Facial Cleanser
Cleanser

A highly traditional, heavy-duty saponified foam cleanser geared toward brightening. Relying on a matrix of Myristic, Stearic, and Lauric acids neutralized by Potassium Hydroxide, it creates a massive, dense lather that forcefully strips away stubborn afternoon oil. While highly effective at cutting through intense grease, this alkaline base temporarily raises the skins natural pH. It includes Ascorbyl Glucoside for brightening and Tea Tree for acne defense, making it suitable for thick, robust, hyper-oily profiles.

โ˜… 8.2
5x Ceramide Bright & Vitamin C Facial Cleanser
Aiken
5x Ceramide Bright & Vitamin C Facial Cleanser
Cleanser

A heavily saponified, rich cream-to-foam wash. By combining a Ceramide complex with Vitamin C, it attempts to bridge the gap between heavy alkaline cleansing and barrier support. The inclusion of Myristic, Lauric, and Stearic acids provides a dense, squeaky-clean lather that obliterates heavy oils, making it better suited for robust, oily skin rather than the dry profiles it often targets safely.

โ˜… 8.6
BHA PHA Pore Refining Cleanser
Aiken
BHA PHA Pore Refining Cleanser
Cleanser

A traditional, heavy-duty saponified foaming cleanser designed to tackle stubborn congestion. It relies on a matrix of Myristic, Stearic, and Lauric acids neutralized by Potassium Hydroxide to create a massive, dense lather. The addition of Gluconolactone (PHA) and Salicylic Acid (BHA) provides mild chemical exfoliation during the wash phase, successfully dissolving oxidized sebum plugs for combination to oily skin phenotypes.

โ˜… 8.2
๐Ÿงด
Aiken
Prebiotic Hydra Plus Facial Foam
Cleanser

The traditional foaming counterpart to the popular Prebiotic Gel Cleanser. Unlike the sulfate-free gel, this foam uses an alkaline saponified base of Myristic and Stearic acids to produce a structured, cushiony lather. While it delivers the beloved prebiotic saccharides and fermented rice water to feed beneficial bacteria, the physical wash vehicle is highly purifying and is best suited for combination to oily skin maps needing thorough grease clearing safely.