Quick Facts:
- Category: other
- Also Known As: PEG μμ, Sin PEG, Sans PEG, Senza PEG, Sem PEG, PEGδΈδ½Ώη¨, Zonder PEG, Ohne PEG
Proven Benefits At A Glance:
- WITHOUT PEG formulations use sorbitan monostearate as an emulsifier instead of polyethylene glycol-based alternatives
- Research tested these formulations on damaged skin to ensure they wouldn’t make conditions worse
- Lab testing showed improved skin barrier function compared to products that caused damage
- Formulations had similar thickness and texture to commercial skincare products
Safety tier is a starting heuristic from regulatory status and comedogenic rating, not a dermatological verdict β see our Terms for the full disclaimer. Research confidence reflects how many real cited studies back this ingredient, not the strength of their findings.
π§ͺ WITHOUT PEG
WITHOUT PEG
CAS Number: β
Also Known As: PEG μμ, Sin PEG, Sans PEG, Senza PEG, Sem PEG, PEGδΈδ½Ώη¨, Zonder PEG, Ohne PEG
Category: other
WITHOUT PEG is an other ingredient used in skincare formulations.
π Regulatory Status
π Comedogenicity
π Research & Evidence
π¬ The Science
When choosing skincare for damaged or diseased skin, the formulation itself matters as much as the active ingredients. A 2025 peer-reviewed study investigated whether simpler formulations using sorbitan monostearate (an emulsifier that helps mix oil and water) could work better than products containing polyethylene glycol derivatives for basic skin therapy. The researchers were specifically concerned that products applied to already-compromised skin shouldn’t make things worse. #1: The WITHOUT PEG formulations showed gel-like, viscoelastic behaviorβmeaning they had a pleasant texture that was comparable to marketed products in terms of viscosity (thickness). #2: Using lab models of damaged skin, researchers measured trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), which is how much water escapes through the skin barrier.
The sorbitan monostearate formulations showed decreasing TEWL values, indicating improved barrier function. #3: When skin was deliberately damaged using sodium lauryl sulfate (a harsh cleanser), treatment with the WITHOUT PEG formulations compensated for that damage, as shown through pyranine staining tests that visualize skin structure. The study concluded that sorbitan monostearate formulations could potentially serve as a superior alternative to market products by using a minimal set of well-chosen ingredients, particularly for basic therapy of chronic skin diseases (peer-reviewed journal, 2025). However, the sources provided do not include human clinical trials or long-term usage data.
π§ Skin Type Compatibility
β οΈ Don’t Combine With
π§΄ Products Containing WITHOUT PEG
π Related Research
Matched by search β not necessarily verified support for every statement above.
- Schoenfelder H et al. (2025). Development and characterization of topical formulation for maintenance therapy containing sorbitan monostearate with and without PEG-100-stearate. a peer-reviewed journal.
- Meyer Marie-Sophie et al. (2002). An emulsifying agent without peg and their use for the preparation at room temperature of cosmetic, phaceutical and dermatological compositions. a peer-reviewed journal.
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