Is Polyethylene Glycol Safe During Pregnancy?

Who doesn't love massaging a creamy leave-in conditioner into their scalp or a silky lotion in their skin? But, what if these pleasures were exposing your skin to potentially toxic ingredients, like polyethylene glycol (PEG)? On its own, PEG is a safe thickening agent. However, PEG has an unpleasant reaction in the presence of other chemicals. Nurture peace of mind by living free of polyethylene glycol during pregnancy.

 

You down with PEG? Nah, you know me!

Not quite sure what polyethylene glycol is or what it has to do with pregnancy? We've got you.

This common ingredient is derived from petroleum, and many petroleum products come from natural gas or coal. 

Protect your body from potential exposures that compromise the health of 1 in 10 coal miners [1]. Create a sustainable future by choosing PEG-free products. 

Who's peddling PEG?

PEG is like Alexa. It's everywhere!

The same things we love about its jelly consistency, manufacturers do, too [2]. 

PEG is used in:

  • Cosmetics (Lotions, Shampoos, Hair Care Products, Body Butters)

  • Oral Care (Binding Agent in Toothpastes)

  • Cleaning Agents (All Purpose Sprays, Laundry Detergents, Dish Soaps, Baby Wipes)

  • Food (Drink Mixes, Dried Soup, Food Coloring, Salad Dressing, Dairy Products)

  • Ink (Printers and Tattoos)

  • Drugs (Ibuprofen, Prescription Medications, Laxatives)

How to spot PEG on labels

A rose by another name is still a rose. The same can be said about PEG. This tricky sucker goes under many pseudonyms and we categorize it as one of the chemicals to avoid while pregnant. 

Scan the label, keeping an eye out for over 100+ ingredients that look like the following [3]:

  • PEG + A Number (Ex. PEG-7, PEG-81, PEG-200, etc.)

  • A Name + PEG + A Number (Ex. Tribehenin PEG-20, Sunflower Seed Oil PEG-32, etc.)

  • PEG + Other Ingredients, Denoted with Slashes (PEG/PPG-17/6 copolymer, PEG-180/Laureth-50/TMMG Copolymer, etc.)

  • A Name + PEG + Other Ingredients, Denoted with Slashes (Cetyl PEG/PPG 10/1 Dimethicone, etc.) 

Is Polyethylene Glycol Safe During Pregnancy?

On its own, PEG is deemed safe during pregnancy. However, what beauty product has just one ingredient? 

PEG is like that friend of your child that you want to like, but you know they have a bit of a wild side. On its own, PEG means well. In the presence of others, it can become a bad influence. 

PEG is used in drugs because it helps with absorption. That means good chemicals...and bad. 

Also, PEG can have an adverse reaction when it comes into contact with ethylene oxide [4].

Seeing too many red flags? Put your future parenting skills to good use by keeping your products away from PEG. 

Prevent potential cancerous growths by indulging in PEG-free pleasures with natural personal and cleaning products. 

Natural products, not natural gas

Browse our carefully curated selection of petroleum-free products:

PEG prevention doesn't happen overnight. Slowly swap out your current products for natural alternatives. 

Prioritize your upgrades by your current toxic exposures. Learn which personal products are pegging you with PEG. Get a body toxicity test with Million Marker's Detect & Detox Test Kit + Toxic-Free Lifestyle Audit. 

Use your own data to curate custom product recommendations for a healthier body and home! 

 

Sources:

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/updates/upd-07-20-18.html 
[2] https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/704983-polyethylene_glycol
[3] https://www.madesafe.org/chemicalcallout-polyethylene-glycol-compounds-pegs/ 
[4] https://www.madesafe.org/chemicalcallout-polyethylene-glycol-compounds-pegs/