Ingredient · dataset v56
Polyethylene Glycol and fungal acne
No known trigger
Why it's not a known trigger
A polyether humectant and solvent with no fatty chain; Malassezia yeast's documented cutters are ester-cutters, and there is no ester here. PEG-esterified fats are judged separately.
The polymer itself is not food; what it carries can be.
Evidence strength
Judged neutral — no trigger evidence
Function
Humectant
Also listed as
PEG, Macrogol
Checked products with this ingredient (3)
Product types: Antifungal treatments, Makeup, Moisturizers
Antifungal treatments (1)
Makeup (1)
Moisturizers (1)
Related humectant
- 2,3-Butanediol — No known trigger
- Allantoin — No known trigger
- Alpha-Glucan — No known trigger
- Beta-Glucan — No known trigger
- Betaine — No known trigger
- Decylene Glycol — No known trigger
- Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone — No known trigger
- Diglycerin — No known trigger
Sources
EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does Polyethylene Glycol trigger fungal acne?
No known trigger: A polyether humectant and solvent with no fatty chain; the yeast's documented cutters are ester-cutters, and there is no ester here. PEG-esterified fats are judged separately.
Does Polyethylene Glycol feed Malassezia?
No known link: Polyethylene Glycol is judged with no known trigger. One screened ingredient is not a product verdict — when in doubt, ask a dermatologist.
Is this medical advice?
No. We screen ingredient lists; we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. When in doubt, ask a dermatologist.
Check a full list containing Polyethylene Glycol →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.