PEG-6 Methyl Ether is a nonionic, water-soluble polyether commonly described as polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether with an average of about 6 ethylene oxide units.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is used as a solubilizer, humectant, and coupling agent that improves clarity, compatibility, and sensory feel in aqueous and water-alcohol systems.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether 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: C13H28O7 (average, n≈6)
Molecular Weight: ~296.3 g/mol (average, n≈6)
Synonyms: PEG-6 Methyl Ether, PEG-6 Monomethyl Ether, Poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether (n≈6), mPEG-6, MPEG-6, Methoxy PEG-6, Methoxypolyethylene Glycol 6, Methoxy Poly(ethylene glycol) 6, PEG Monomethyl Ether (average n≈6), PEG-6 MME, PEG-6 Methyl Ether Solubilizer, PEG-6 Methyl Ether Humectant, PEG-6 Methyl Ether, Polyethylene Glycol-6 Methyl Ether, PEG-6 Monomethyl Ether, PEG-6 Methyl-Terminated, PEG-6 Methyl-Capped, Methyl Ether of PEG-6, MPEG-6, Methoxy PEG-6, Methoxy Polyethylene Glycol-6, Methoxy Poly(ethylene glycol)-6, Methoxypolyethylene Glycol-6, Polyethylene Glycol Methyl Ether-6, Polyoxyethylene Methyl Ether-6, Polyoxyethylene Methoxy Ether-6, Polyether Methyl Ether-6, Polyether Methoxy-6, Ethoxylated Methyl Ether-6, Ethoxylated Methoxy-6, Ethoxylated Polyether-6, Polyalkylene Glycol Methyl Ether-6, PAG Methyl Ether-6, Polyalkylene Oxide Methyl Ether-6, Methyl-Capped PEG-6 Polyether, Methyl-Terminated PEG-6 Polyether, MPEG-6 Polyether, MPEG-6 Nonionic, MPEG-6 Nonionic Surfactant, MPEG-6 Solubilizer, MPEG-6 Wetting Agent, MPEG-6 Dispersant, MPEG-6 Co-Solvent (context), MPEG-6 Humectant, MPEG-6 Conditioning Agent, MPEG-6 Emollient, MPEG-6 Film-Forming Aid, MPEG-6 Compatibility Agent, MPEG-6 Polymer Additive, MPEG-6 Performance Additive, MPEG-6 Functional Additive, MPEG-6 Processing Additive, MPEG-6 Surface Modifying Agent, MPEG-6 Solubilizing Aid, MPEG-6 Dispersing Aid, MPEG-6 Wetting Aid, MPEG-6 Blending Additive, MPEG-6 Personal Care Grade, MPEG-6 Cosmetic Grade, MPEG-6 Pharmaceutical Grade, MPEG-6 Industrial Grade, MPEG-6 Technical Grade, MPEG-6 Liquid Polyether, MPEG-6 Water-Soluble Polyether, Water-Soluble MPEG-6, Soluble MPEG-6 Ether, MPEG-6 Low-Viscosity Polyether, MPEG-6 Poly(ethylene oxide) Methyl Ether, PEG-6 Methyl Functional Polyether, PEG-6 Methyl Ether Surfactant, PEG-6 Methyl Ether Solubilizer, PEG-6 Methyl Ether Co-Solvent, PEG-6 Methyl Ether Dispersant, PEG-6 Methyl Ether Wetting Agent, PEG-6 Methyl Ether Additive, PEG-6 Methyl Ether Modifier, PEG-6 Methyl Ether Polymer Aid, PEG-6 Methyl Ether Specialty Polyether
APPLICATIONS
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is used in facial cleansers to improve mildness and reduce tight-feel after rinsing.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is used in micellar waters to help solubilize fragrance oils and light emollients.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is incorporated into shampoos to improve clarity and fragrance dispersion.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is added to shower gels to enhance foam feel and improve rinse properties.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is used in liquid hand soaps to support clarity when perfume oils are present.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is included in body washes to help disperse essential oils and botanical extracts.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is used in facial toners to help dissolve oil-soluble components in water-based systems.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is applied in aftershaves to soften the sensory impact of alcohol.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is included in hydrating mists to enhance humectancy and spray uniformity.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is used in moisturizing creams to improve spreadability and reduce tack.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is incorporated into lotions to support water-binding and smoother rub-in.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is used in gel creams to improve clarity and reduce phase separation risk.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is added to serums to improve compatibility between humectants, solvents, and fragrance.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is used in anti-aging formulations to help incorporate oil-soluble vitamins in a water-rich base.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is included in brightening products to support uniform texture and reduce clouding.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is used in sunscreen emulsions to help maintain clarity and stability in mixed solvent systems.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is applied in SPF sprays to improve uniform dispersion of fragrance and select actives.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is incorporated into after-sun gels to improve slip and reduce stickiness.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is used in makeup setting sprays to help disperse film formers and fragrance.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is incorporated into BB and CC creams to improve sensory profile and stability.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is added to tinted moisturizers to improve blendability and reduce patchiness.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is used in eye makeup removers to enhance solubilization of oily residues.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is incorporated into cleansing lotions to improve rinse-off and reduce residue.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is added to wipe solutions to improve cleaning performance while maintaining mildness.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is used in hair conditioners to improve slip and aid distribution of fragrance oils.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is incorporated into leave-in sprays to support clarity and reduce residue.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is used in scalp tonics to improve humectancy and product spread.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is used in deodorant sprays to improve solubilization of fragrance and emollients.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is incorporated into roll-on deodorants to improve glide and reduce tack.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is added to antiperspirant liquids to support stability in water-alcohol blends.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is used in sensitive-skin products to improve formulation flexibility at low irritation risk.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is included in baby-care cleansers to help maintain mildness and clarity.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is used in intimate care washes to support gentle cleansing and improved feel.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is used in fragrance concentrates as a coupling agent for alcohol-water systems.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is applied in room sprays to reduce separation and improve clarity.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is included in fabric refreshers to aid solubilization of perfume oils.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is used in household cleaners to help solubilize greasy soils in water-based products.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is incorporated into glass cleaners to improve wetting and reduce streaking.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is added to multi-surface cleaners to enhance solvency while maintaining mildness.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is used as a processing aid to improve wetting of powders and pigments in aqueous phases.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is incorporated into dispersions to help reduce agglomeration during mixing.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is used in clear systems where haze control and fragrance solubilization are critical.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is valued in minimalist formulas for providing multiple functions with a single ingredient.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is selected in “water gel” textures to enhance slip, clarity, and rinse feel.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is used to improve stability in mixed solvent systems that combine water, alcohol, and small oil loads.
DESCRIPTION
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is typically a clear, colorless to pale liquid with low to moderate viscosity depending on grade.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is a nonionic polyether consisting of a hydrophilic PEG chain capped with a methyl ether end group.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is commonly supplied as an average-chain-length material rather than a single discrete molecule.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether provides humectancy by binding water and supporting hydration in leave-on and rinse-off products.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether improves solubilization of fragrance oils, essential oils, and selected oil-soluble actives in water-rich systems.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether can function as a coupling agent that reduces separation in water-alcohol-oil mixtures.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether generally shows broad compatibility with many surfactants, polymers, and common cosmetic solvents.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether can improve product clarity and reduce cloudiness caused by perfume or oily additives.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether contributes to smoother sensory feel and can reduce tack when balanced with other humectants.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether performance depends on average ethoxylation level, purity, and the overall solvent system.
PEG-6 Methyl Ether is typically low-odor and well suited for personal care, household, and specialty formulation use.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C13H28O7 (average, n≈6)
Molecular Weight: ~296.3 g/mol (average, n≈6)
Common Name: PEG-6 Methyl Ether (PEG-6 Monomethyl Ether)
Chemical Nature: Poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether (nonionic polyether)
Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale liquid
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)
Boiling Point: >200°C (decomposes; typical for polyethers)
Viscosity: Low to moderate; varies with temperature and average chain length
HLB (approx.): ~10–14 (typical range; grade dependent)
Flash Point: >150°C (typical; grade dependent)
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 regulated applications.
Maintain good housekeeping because spilled material can create a slip hazard.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent performance.