PEG 400 POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL

High-purity industrial-grade polyethylene glycol for versatile formulations

At Quimiconsult we offer PEG 400 (polyethylene glycol 400), industrial grade, a high-purity, translucent liquid polymer with 100 % active content, designed to integrate efficiently into formulations that require compatibility, stability, viscosity control and reliable humectant properties. Its nonionic chemical structure, hygroscopic nature and complete water solubility make it a key functional ingredient in industrial, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, textile, ceramic and technical lubrication processes.

The PEG 400 available from Quimiconsult stands out for its ability to act simultaneously as a solvent, plasticizer, lubricant, dispersant and wetting agent, improving system stability, easing the incorporation of raw materials and optimizing the performance of the finished product. Its low volatility, favorable toxicological profile and compatibility with many organic and inorganic compounds make it a safe and highly versatile solution for applications that demand batch-to-batch reproducibility and consistent performance.

With stock in Monterrey, shipping throughout Mexico and specialized technical support, Quimiconsult's polyethylene glycol 400 is a reliable choice for companies seeking high-performance raw materials for regulated processes and high-value-added formulations.

PEG 400 details and technical specifications

Our PEG 400 corresponds to CAS 25322-68-3 and is supplied as a clear liquid with an average molecular weight between 380 and 420, which gives it an ideal balance of fluidity, humectancy and solvent power.

In a 5 % aqueous solution, its pH stays within a range of 5.0 to 7.0, which supports its stability in sensitive formulations and its compatibility with active ingredients. Its density at 25 °C is between 1.11 and 1.14 g/mL, making precise dosing in industrial processes easy.

The product offers complete solubility in water, a maximum free ethylene oxide content of ≤ 10 ppm and a combined ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol level of ≤ 0.25 %, parameters that ensure purity, safety and consistency in technical applications.

It is supplied in 200 L drums and 1000 L totes, formats designed to simplify in-plant handling, optimize logistics and ensure operational continuity.

Functional properties of polyethylene glycol 400

PEG 400 is a linear polymer that acts as a rheology modifier, humectant and lubricant, thanks to its ability to lower surface tension and improve the interaction between phases in complex systems.

Its hygroscopic character promotes moisture retention, improving the texture, stability and shelf life of many formulations. This property is especially valuable in systems where premature drying must be avoided, spreadability improved or flexibility of the final product maintained.

As a plasticizer, it increases the mobility of polymer chains, reducing brittleness and improving mechanical strength in materials such as ceramics, coatings, inks and adhesives.

Its lubricating action reduces friction between surfaces, optimizing molding, extrusion and forming processes.

Industrial applications of PEG 400

In the cosmetics and personal care industry, PEG 400 is used as a humectant, solvent, emulsifier and carrier for active ingredients in creams, lotions, gels, hair care products, fragrances and personal cleansing systems, where it improves the sensory feel and stability of the formulation.

In the pharmaceutical industry, it serves as an excipient, solvent and base for liquid and semi-solid systems, enabling the solubilization of active ingredients and control of drug release.

In industrial formulations, it is used as a lubricant and mold release agent in molding processes, as a plasticizer in ceramics, as a dispersant in inks and coatings and as a viscosity modifier in technical solutions.

In the textile industry, it acts as a fiber softener, antistatic agent and processing aid, improving the handling of the material and the quality of the finish.

In cleaning and detergent products, it is used as a solvent and wetting agent that makes soil removal easier and improves formulation stability.

It also has applications in agrochemicals, adhesives, resins, elastomers, industrial lubricants, masterbatch, paper and surface treatment, where its role as a modifier of physical and rheological properties is essential.

To discover more complementary ingredients that improve the moisturization and softness of your products, visit our humectants, lubricants or dispersants categories.

PEG 400 safety, handling and storage

PEG 400 is classified as a low-hazard substance under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), which makes it easy to handle in industrial settings as long as standard hygiene and safety practices are followed. To preserve its stability and functional properties, store it in its original, tightly closed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. The suggested storage range is 5 to 35 °C, conditions that maintain its fluidity, purity and performance over time.

Because of its hygroscopic nature, prolonged contact with air should be minimized to avoid moisture absorption, which could slightly change its viscosity. Keep it away from strong oxidizing agents and concentrated acids and bases to prevent unwanted reactions. Wearing gloves and safety glasses during handling is recommended as a standard preventive practice for chemical products. Under proper storage conditions, the product retains its stability and functionality for long periods, allowing efficient inventory management and continuity in production processes.

Other names and designations for PEG 400

Polyethylene glycol 400 is known in the industry by several technical and trade names that make it easier to identify in formulation, procurement and regulatory documentation. The most common designations include polyethylene glycol 400, PEG-400 and polyglycol 400, terms used internationally in technical data sheets, certificates of analysis and raw material specifications. In chemical and academic contexts it is also known as poly(ethylene oxide) or poly(oxyethylene), names that directly describe its polymer structure and how it is made.

In industrial and product development settings it is often searched for by its function in the formulation, using phrases such as PEG 400 humectant, PEG solvent, liquid plasticizer, polyglycol-based lubricant or PEG viscosity modifier, reflecting its versatility across many production sectors. These search variants help formulators find specific solutions according to the property they need, whether improving dispersion, increasing flexibility, controlling rheology or easing the incorporation of active ingredients.

Benefits of buying PEG 400 from Quimiconsult

Buying PEG 400 from Quimiconsult is an operational and technical advantage for companies that need reliable raw materials for their production processes. Stock in Monterrey with shipping throughout Mexico ensures fast response times and continuity of supply, while specialized technical support makes it easy to integrate correctly into new or existing formulations.

In addition, complete technical documentation, batch traceability and pack sizes suited to different consumption scales are available, simplifying audits, internal validations and quality control. This combination of availability, technical support and consistent performance makes Quimiconsult's polyethylene glycol 400 a strategic solution for manufacturers seeking a stable supply chain and reproducible processes.