METHOXY PEG-16

Methoxy PEG-16 is a nonionic, water-soluble polyether commonly described as polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether with an average of about 16 ethylene oxide units.
Methoxy PEG-16 is used as a solubilizer, humectant, and formulation aid that improves clarity, compatibility, and sensory feel in aqueous and water-alcohol systems.
Methoxy PEG-16 is valued for mildness, broad ingredient compatibility, and its ability to help disperse fragrances, oils, and selected actives into stable mixtures.

CAS Number: 24991-53-5 (commonly used for Poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether family; may vary by grade/average chain length)
EC Number: 500-038-4 (polyether polymer family listing; may vary by supplier/grade)
Molecular Formula: C33H68O17 (average, n≈16)
Molecular Weight: ~736.9 g/mol (average, n≈16)

Synonyms: Methoxy PEG-16, PEG-16 Methyl Ether, PEG-16 Monomethyl Ether, Poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether (n≈16), mPEG-16, MPEG-16, Methoxypolyethylene Glycol 16, Methoxy Poly(ethylene glycol) 16, PEG Monomethyl Ether (average n≈16), PEG-16 MME, Methoxy PEG-16 Solubilizer, Methoxy PEG-16 Humectant, Methoxy PEG-16, Methoxy Polyethylene Glycol-16, Methoxy Poly(ethylene glycol)-16, MPEG-16, MPEG-16 Ether, Methoxy PEG-16 Ether, Methoxypolyethylene Glycol-16, Polyethylene Glycol Methyl Ether-16, PEG-16 Methyl Ether, Methyl Ether of PEG-16, PEG-16 Monomethyl Ether, Methoxy MPEG-16, Methoxy Polyoxyethylene-16, Polyoxyethylene Methoxy Ether-16, Polyoxyethylene Methyl Ether-16, PEG-16 Methyl-Capped, PEG-16 Methyl-Terminated, Methyl-Terminated PEG-16, Methyl-Capped PEG-16, MPEG-16 Liquid, MPEG-16 Water-Soluble, MPEG-16 Nonionic, MPEG-16 Nonionic Surfactant, MPEG-16 Surfactant, MPEG-16 Emulsifier, MPEG-16 Wetting Agent, MPEG-16 Dispersant, MPEG-16 Solubilizer, MPEG-16 Solubilizing Agent, MPEG-16 Co-Solvent (context), MPEG-16 Humectant, MPEG-16 Conditioning Agent, MPEG-16 Emollient, MPEG-16 Film-Forming Agent, MPEG-16 Compatibility Agent, MPEG-16 Processing Additive, MPEG-16 Performance Additive, MPEG-16 Polymer Additive, MPEG-16 Functional Additive, MPEG-16 Personal Care Grade, MPEG-16 Cosmetic Grade, MPEG-16 Pharmaceutical Grade, MPEG-16 Industrial Grade, MPEG-16 Technical Grade, Polyether Methyl Ether-16, Polyether Methoxy-16, Ethoxylated Methoxy-16

APPLICATIONS

Methoxy PEG-16 is used in facial cleansers to improve mildness and reduce tight-feel after rinsing.
Methoxy PEG-16 is used in micellar waters to help solubilize fragrance oils and light emollients.
Methoxy PEG-16 is incorporated into shampoos to improve clarity and fragrance dispersion.

Methoxy PEG-16 is added to shower gels to enhance foam feel and improve rinse properties.
Methoxy PEG-16 is used in liquid hand soaps to support clarity when perfume oils are present.
Methoxy PEG-16 is included in body washes to help disperse essential oils and botanical extracts.

Methoxy PEG-16 is used in facial toners to help dissolve oil-soluble components in water-based systems.
Methoxy PEG-16 is applied in aftershaves to soften the sensory impact of alcohol.
Methoxy PEG-16 is included in hydrating mists to enhance humectancy and spray uniformity.

Methoxy PEG-16 is used in moisturizing creams to improve spreadability and reduce tack.
Methoxy PEG-16 is incorporated into lotions to support water-binding and smoother rub-in.
Methoxy PEG-16 is used in gel creams to improve clarity and reduce phase separation risk.

Methoxy PEG-16 is added to serums to improve compatibility between humectants, solvents, and fragrance.
Methoxy PEG-16 is used in anti-aging formulations to help incorporate oil-soluble vitamins in a water-rich base.
Methoxy PEG-16 is included in brightening products to support uniform texture and reduce clouding.

Methoxy PEG-16 is used in sunscreen emulsions to help maintain clarity and stability in mixed solvent systems.
Methoxy PEG-16 is applied in SPF sprays to improve uniform dispersion of fragrance and select actives.
Methoxy PEG-16 is incorporated into after-sun gels to improve slip and reduce stickiness.

Methoxy PEG-16 is used in makeup primers to create a smoother, more even-feel film on skin.
Methoxy PEG-16 is included in liquid foundations to improve pigment wetting and flow.
Methoxy PEG-16 is applied in concealers to support uniform texture and reduce drag.

Methoxy PEG-16 is used in makeup setting sprays to help disperse film formers and fragrance.
Methoxy PEG-16 is incorporated into BB and CC creams to improve sensory profile and stability.
Methoxy PEG-16 is added to tinted moisturizers to improve blendability and reduce patchiness.

Methoxy PEG-16 is used in lip products to improve glide and reduce waxy drag in hybrid systems.
Methoxy PEG-16 is applied in lip stains to improve uniformity and reduce tack in water-based phases.
Methoxy PEG-16 is included in lip balms to support moisture retention and smoother application.

Methoxy PEG-16 is used in eye makeup removers to enhance solubilization of oily residues.
Methoxy PEG-16 is incorporated into cleansing lotions to improve rinse-off and reduce residue.
Methoxy PEG-16 is added to wipe solutions to improve cleaning performance while maintaining mildness.

Methoxy PEG-16 is used in hair conditioners to improve slip and aid distribution of fragrance oils.
Methoxy PEG-16 is incorporated into leave-in sprays to support clarity and reduce residue.
Methoxy PEG-16 is used in styling gels to improve film feel and reduce flaking in balanced systems.

Methoxy PEG-16 is included in scalp tonics to improve humectancy and product spread.
Methoxy PEG-16 is used in anti-frizz sprays to support smoothness without heavy oil loading.
Methoxy PEG-16 is applied in heat-protection sprays to improve uniform deposition of conditioning agents.

Methoxy PEG-16 is used in deodorant sprays to improve solubilization of fragrance and emollients.
Methoxy PEG-16 is incorporated into roll-on deodorants to improve glide and reduce tack.
Methoxy PEG-16 is added to antiperspirant liquids to support stability in water-alcohol blends.

Methoxy PEG-16 is used in sensitive-skin products to improve formulation flexibility at low irritation risk.
Methoxy PEG-16 is included in baby-care cleansers to help maintain mildness and clarity.
Methoxy PEG-16 is used in intimate care washes to support gentle cleansing and improved feel.

Methoxy PEG-16 is applied in topical gels as a solvent and humectant support ingredient.
Methoxy PEG-16 is included in dermatological lotions to improve spread and reduce greasy feel.
Methoxy PEG-16 is used in hydroalcoholic solutions to reduce haze from perfume oils.

Methoxy PEG-16 is incorporated into oral-care products to help solubilize flavors in water-based systems.
Methoxy PEG-16 is used in mouth sprays to improve flavor dispersion and reduce cloudiness.
Methoxy PEG-16 is added to gel-type oral products to improve texture and processing consistency.

Methoxy PEG-16 is used in fragrance concentrates as a coupling agent for alcohol-water systems.
Methoxy PEG-16 is applied in room sprays to reduce separation and improve clarity.
Methoxy PEG-16 is included in fabric refreshers to aid solubilization of perfume oils.

Methoxy PEG-16 is used in household cleaners to help solubilize greasy soils in water-based products.
Methoxy PEG-16 is incorporated into glass cleaners to improve wetting and reduce streaking.
Methoxy PEG-16 is added to multi-surface cleaners to enhance solvency while maintaining mildness.

Methoxy PEG-16 is used as a processing aid to improve wetting of powders and pigments in aqueous phases.
Methoxy PEG-16 is incorporated into dispersions to help reduce agglomeration during mixing.
Methoxy PEG-16 is used in clear systems where haze control and fragrance solubilization are critical.

Methoxy PEG-16 is valued in minimalist formulas for providing multiple functions with a single ingredient.
Methoxy PEG-16 is selected in “water gel” textures to enhance slip, clarity, and rinse feel.
Methoxy PEG-16 is used to improve stability in mixed solvent systems that combine water, alcohol, and small oil loads.

DESCRIPTION

Methoxy PEG-16 is typically a clear to slightly hazy viscous liquid or waxy solid depending on grade and temperature.
Methoxy PEG-16 is a nonionic polyether consisting of a hydrophilic PEG chain capped with a methyl ether end group.
Methoxy PEG-16 is commonly supplied as an average-chain-length material rather than a single discrete molecule.

Methoxy PEG-16 provides humectancy by binding water and supporting hydration in leave-on and rinse-off products.
Methoxy PEG-16 improves solubilization of fragrance oils, essential oils, and selected oil-soluble actives in water-rich systems.
Methoxy PEG-16 can function as a coupling agent that reduces separation in water-alcohol-oil mixtures.

Methoxy PEG-16 generally shows broad compatibility with many surfactants, polymers, and common cosmetic solvents.
Methoxy PEG-16 can improve product clarity and reduce cloudiness caused by perfume or oily additives.
Methoxy PEG-16 contributes to smoother sensory feel and can reduce tack when balanced with other humectants.

Methoxy PEG-16 performance depends on average ethoxylation level, purity, and the overall solvent system.
Methoxy PEG-16 is typically low-odor and well suited for personal care, household, and specialty formulation use.

PROPERTIES

Chemical Formula: C33H68O17 (average, n≈16)
Molecular Weight: ~736.9 g/mol (average, n≈16)
Common Name: Methoxy PEG-16 (PEG-16 Methyl Ether)
Chemical Nature: Poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether (nonionic polyether)
Appearance: Clear viscous liquid to waxy solid (grade and temperature dependent)
Odor: Mild to nearly odorless
Solubility: Miscible with water; soluble in many glycols and alcohols; limited solubility in nonpolar oils
pH (1% aqueous): ~5.0–7.5 (typical; grade dependent)
Melting Point: ~40–55°C (typical; grade dependent)
Viscosity: Moderate to high; varies with temperature and average chain length
HLB (approx.): ~14–18 (typical range; grade dependent)
Flash Point: >200°C (typical; not easily flammable)
Stability: Stable under normal conditions; avoid strong oxidizers
Storage Temperature: 15–30°C, tightly closed, protected from moisture
Shelf Life: 12–24 months in original sealed packaging (typical supplier range)

FIRST AID

Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if vapors or mists are inhaled.
Seek medical attention if coughing or respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing mists during spraying or heated processing.

Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.

Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.
Continue rinsing and seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel.
Seek medical attention if large amounts are swallowed or discomfort occurs.

Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote is required.
Provide supportive care based on exposure route and symptoms.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling:
Use appropriate PPE, including gloves and safety glasses.
Avoid generating aerosols or mists, especially during spraying.
Wash hands after handling and before eating, drinking, or smoking.

Ventilation:
Use local exhaust or general ventilation in areas where mists may form.
Ensure adequate ventilation if the product is heated during processing.
Avoid prolonged exposure to vapors from hot mixtures.

Storage:
Store in a cool, dry place in tightly closed containers.
Protect from moisture pickup, as polyethers can be hygroscopic.
Keep away from strong oxidizers and sources of contamination.

Spill and Leak Procedures:
Contain the spill and absorb with inert material such as sand or universal absorbent.
Clean residue with water and detergent while preventing slips on slick surfaces.
Dispose of waste according to local regulations and facility procedures.

Handling Precautions:
Use clean, dedicated equipment to prevent cross-contamination in personal care or pharmaceutical applications.
Maintain good housekeeping because spilled material can create a slip hazard.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent performance.