PEG-32

PEG-32 molecular structure

5+ year old children • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this kid-friendly to use Peg 32?

✅
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Peg 32 is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children when used in topical products. Kids may have different tolerance levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For kids aged 5 and up, PEG-32 is usually safe when used in regular skin products. It helps products spread and mix but is not strongly absorbed through the skin. The biggest worry is tiny amounts of manufacturing contaminants, not the ingredient itself.

✅What to Do

Use products made for children or from brands that test for impurities. Prefer rinse-off products (like shampoos) when possible. Don’t put products with PEG-32 on open cuts or very irritated skin. If your child has sensitive skin, try a small patch test on the arm and wait 24 hours before full use.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for signs of skin irritation (redness, itching, rash). The source of this warning is manufacturing contamination data that calls out ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane as impurities of concern, and industry review panels that recommend limits and testing. Also note some product verification programs restrict use of this ingredient unless manufacturers provide adequate safety testing—look for brands that publish impurity testing or safety substantiation.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: This ingredient can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. Those contaminants are recognized by major health agencies (for example IARC and the U.S. EPA) as cancer hazards, so contamination raises a real cancer concern if impurities are present in a product.
Organ Risk: The same contaminants named for this ingredient (ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane) have been linked in toxicology reports to harm to organs such as the liver and kidneys after repeated exposure. Because contamination is a known issue, organ effects are a possible risk.
Banned: Industry safety reviewers and some product-verification programs restrict or do not allow this ingredient unless manufacturers show the product is free of dangerous impurities. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review and industry verification rules document limits and required controls for safe use.
Long-Term Risk: There are data gaps and safety assessments that rely on reported maximum use levels rather than full long-term studies. Combined with the contamination concern, this creates uncertainty about long-term health effects from repeated use.
Absorbed: Polyethylene glycol-type ingredients can affect how other substances move through skin. Because this is used on skin and contaminant control is an issue, impurities could be taken up into the body through topical use unless manufacturing controls are proven.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for PEG-32

This ingredient may also be listed as:

peg-32PEG-32POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 1540

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Common Questions About PEG-32

Is this kid-friendly to use PEG-32?

Yes, PEG-32 is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children based on current research.

What are the cancer risks of PEG-32 for children?

Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure.

What are the organ risk risks of PEG-32 for children?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.

What are the banned risks of PEG-32 for children?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries.

What are the long-term risk risks of PEG-32 for children?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.

What are the absorbed risks of PEG-32 for children?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream.

What products contain PEG-32?

PEG-32 is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can kids start using products with PEG-32?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 5+ year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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