PEGs, aka polyethylene glycols, are petrochemical derivatives used in cosmetics as thickeners, softeners, and moisture carriers. They can function as “penetration enhancers”, increasing the ability of the skin to absorb more of the product. Might sound like a good idea, but that also means harmful ingredients would penetrate more easily too 🫤 You can find them in these everyday products: 🚩 eye creams 🚩 body lotions 🚩 cleansers 🚩... and more PEGs are synthesized through "ethoxylation”, a chemical process that creates an unavoidable by-product: 1,4-dioxane, which is “likely to be carcinogenic to humans” according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. There are manufacturing techniques that can remove some of the 1,4-dioxane, but tiny amounts will remain in the product. PEG synonyms and other ingredients which could be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, to keep your eyes peeled for: 👀 polyethylene 👀 polyoxyethylene 👀 polyethylene glycol 👀 ingredients with the letters “-eth” or ”-oxynol-” 💚 Use Clearya to automatically screen your fav products for PEGs and other ethoxylated compounds. We spot them so you can choose better 🥰 #letsclearya #clearya #pegs #nontoxicbeauty #lowtoxliving #14dioxane