Looking back, surfactants like Pluracare E 400 didn’t just appear overnight. The journey started with the creation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the late 1800s, a period driven by a need for reliable water-soluble polymers. Chemists in the 20th century kept improving the PEG backbone, pushing for compounds with better stability and less toxicity. The introduction of Pluracare E 400 highlights a push for safer, more efficient emulsifiers in industries hungry for products that can handle tougher regulatory controls and demanding consumer expectations.
Pluracare E 400 is a liquid surfactant—meaning, it helps things that don’t want to mix get along in a solution. Unlike some surfactants that come on too strong or leave residues, Pluracare E 400’s molecular size lets it blend with water and oils cleanly. Many manufacturers reach for it when they want both solubility and a low irritation profile. The "E 400" in the name typically points to its average molecular weight, giving chemists a rough idea of its properties and performance in formulations.
Inside every bottle of Pluracare E 400 is a clear, colorless liquid that pours easily, thanks to a viscosity similar to light oils. Its solubility in both water and organic solvents opens up endless project doors. Boiling point usually lands well above most room temperatures, and it keeps its cool even under light heat. Its chemical backbone—polyethylene glycol—carries repeating ethylene oxide units, with each molecule topped by a hydroxyl group, making it both a good solvent and an able-bodied surfactant.
On a typical label, Pluracare E 400’s specs show a molecular weight near 400 g/mol, density close to 1.125 g/cm3, and a pH hovering near neutral. Impurity levels must stay low, as modern standards won’t tolerate much in the way of residual ethylene oxide or dioxane. For those making pharmaceuticals or cosmetics, batch traceability and purity get prime real estate. Clear technical data build consumer trust and let industries trace quality all the way back to the factory floor.
Making PEG surfactants involves polymerizing ethylene oxide under pressure with a starter—often methanol or another short-chain alcohol. This reaction chain keeps growing until the mix hits the targeted size. Skilled chemists monitor temperature, feed rates, and pressure—slip up on any factor, and you can end up with an off-grade batch. Producers also watch for byproducts and unreacted monomers, since these can create headaches in final applications. Dialing in consistency requires both scientific savvy and a steady production team.
PEG on its own works, but chemists frequently tweak Pluracare E 400 to tailor its fit for certain tasks. End-group functionalization is common—a touch of esterification can boost lipid interaction, or capping with a reactive group might invite further modifications. These changes help the surfactant latch onto more or less water, play nicely with other ingredients, or resist enzymatic degradation in the body. Research teams keep poking at new routes for modifying PEG, with an eye on longer shelf lives, lower toxicity, or better performance under stress.
Someone shopping in North America for the same material might see synonyms like "PEG-8" or "Polyethylene Glycol 400". Some suppliers use "Macrogol 400" in medicinal contexts and "Pluronic E 400" in industrial catalogues. Trade names sometimes shift based on the application—for example, in Europe, a soap-maker might order it as "Pluriol E 400". This swarm of names can trip up even seasoned formulators, so keeping track prevents mix-ups and maintains compliance across borders.
Safety has always been a non-negotiable point. Pluracare E 400 isn’t known for extreme hazards, but inhaling large quantities of PEG-based materials or splashing it directly onto mucous membranes might still provoke an unwanted reaction. The big safety push in recent years has been about tightening limits for ethylene oxide and dioxane residues—two byproducts under international regulatory fire for their carcinogenic potential. Manufacturing plants investing in advanced purification tech can meet tighter standards and give buyers better peace of mind.
Pluracare E 400 shows up in a massive range of fields. In my time talking with formulators, I’ve heard it called a backbone ingredient in liquid detergents, eye drops, injectable pharmaceuticals, and personal care lotions. It keeps creams stable and clear, and prevents active drug ingredients from clumping up in medical syrups. Chemists chasing new cleaner products for sensitive skin keep it handy for low-irritant blends. In industrial circles, it helps oils and water work together in cutting fluids and corrosion inhibitors. Sometimes, it gets pushed into food packaging as a processing aid whenever material migration worries stay in check.
The story of Pluracare E 400 keeps growing. Recent research asks—not just how it holds up as an emulsifier—but how it interacts with biological systems. Scientists scrutinize PEG for immune responses, especially after rare but serious allergy cases in vaccines. Other groups look at its environmental impact, working to understand how long PEG lingers in wastewater and whether bacteria break it down fast enough. Researchers also explore attaching bioactive molecules to its surface, creating advanced drug delivery vehicles that can sneak therapies past bodily barriers. Every conference I’ve attended lately seems to have someone presenting new tweaks to PEG chemistry, aiming for cleaner, smarter, safer molecules.
Toxicologists have been putting PEG surfactants, including Pluracare E 400, under the microscope for decades now. Most clinical and animal studies report low acute toxicity, and skin irritation stays mild—one reason why you find it in eye drops and pediatric skin creams. Regulators worry most about the trace unreacted chemicals from manufacturing. Lifelong exposures or accidental spills could tip the risk balance, which is why more labs now test for chronic effects and eco-toxicity. It takes rigorous studies and lots of transparency to keep this trust alive, especially with evolving standards for sensitive populations like infants or patients on injectable therapies.
Looking to the future, Pluracare E 400’s story is nowhere near finished. Regulatory watchdogs will keep raising the quality bar, which pushes manufacturers to innovate in process and purification. Sustainable chemistry is gathering steam, and greener PEG surfactants get top billing in sustainability reports. Medical researchers want smarter PEG derivatives that don’t trigger unwelcome immune kicks, and some synthetic chemists are already tuning polymer lengths, branching patterns, and attaching biodegradable tags for the circular economy. If the sector keeps solving these technical puzzles while satisfying tougher safety goals, Pluracare E 400’s next century could prove just as versatile as its first.
PEG Surfactant Pluracare E 400 looks like a clear, syrupy liquid. Most of us would walk by it in a lab or factory without ever guessing how much it shapes daily products. Chemically called polyethylene glycol 400, the E 400 variation stands out as a non-ionic surfactant—meaning it mixes water and oil, but doesn’t have a charge to throw off reactions. The science fits, but the hidden story lies in how it gives personal care products, medicines, and even cleaning agents smooth performance.
I’ve spent years reading ingredient panels, watching how the day-to-day products my family trusts have changed. A surprising number lean on something like Pluracare E 400. In many shampoos, for example, Pluracare E 400 helps oils wash away dirt and grease, yet keeps the formula gentle and non-irritating. Creams and lotions use this same trick to keep textures consistent, resisting separation on your bathroom shelf. The way PEG glides moisture across the skin stands behind that soothing sensation so many moisturizers promise. Without it, products would clump or apply streaky and uneven.
Diving deeper, Pluracare E 400 shows up in places you’d never expect—think cough syrups or laxatives. Many drugs need a carrier to thin out concentrated formulas, so the dose disperses properly. PEG 400 has a long safety record in small quantities, and regulatory agencies have reviewed it for decades. The fact that influential organizations like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration sign off on it for oral and topical use says a lot about the trust built over the years. In my early pharmacy days, we relied on it as a solvent for pills requiring even dissolution, making sure patients experienced the intended effects without hot spots or uneven release.
On the industrial side, I remember walking through a manufacturing plant that made specialty coatings. Pluracare E 400 kept pigments from clumping and delivered a smooth finish—helping achieve results consumers demand. Safety always sits at the front of my mind. PEG compounds like E 400 rarely trigger allergies, yet anyone with sensitive skin ought to try new products in small amounts and watch for reactions. Major bodies have reviewed data over years and concluded that PEG 400, used as directed, doesn’t build up in the body or raise red flags for toxic exposure. That’s important, considering how often these ingredients turn up in personal care routines for whole families.
Still, consumer expectations change fast. The phrase “petroleum-derived” puts some people off, and concerns about environmental impact spark new conversations. Several companies now explore greener versions, using more sustainable inputs or biodegradable alternatives, aiming to balance performance and eco-friendliness. For the conscious shopper, scanning for transparent ingredient sourcing and proven safety gets easier as brands compete to earn trust.
PEG Surfactant Pluracare E 400 might not have a catchy name, but it’s woven into everyday life, smoothing products and improving reliability. As science moves on, so will industry standards—toward cleaner practices and smarter ingredient choices. Until then, knowing what’s behind the label gives us the power to choose wisely and ask the right questions.
Pluracare E 400 often pops up on ingredient lists for moisturizers, serums, and even sunscreens. It’s mostly known to chemists and formulators as polyethylene glycol 400, a liquid compound derived from petroleum or natural gas. Cosmetic labs reach for it because it helps dissolve tricky ingredients, spreads smoothly, and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. Plenty of people use products containing this ingredient every day, so the question about safety is more than fair.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel gave PEGs, including PEG-400, the green light for safe use in cosmetics, as long as manufacturers follow guidelines. Peer-reviewed studies show its molecular size means it doesn’t penetrate deep — so most of it stays on the skin’s surface. Reports from the FDA also highlight PEGs’ long history in non-toxic doses, both in topical medical products and those that get swallowed.
It’s important to talk about impurities. PEGs can be contaminated with by-products like ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane if not produced carefully. These are the same chemicals that turn up in “clean beauty” debates. The best brands detoxify their ingredients and test for purity — and that reassurance is one reason major international markets allow PEG-400 at concentrations typically seen in daily skincare.
No ingredient is perfect for absolutely everyone. Some folks with extra-sensitive or inflamed skin might notice redness or stinging if a product includes PEGs, especially in higher concentrations. I’ve seen people with eczema or a compromised skin barrier run into problems if a formula isn’t simple or if it gets left on too long. Rare reactions, often mistaken for “allergies,” tend to be irritation, not a true immune response.
Anyone worried about PEGs should check product labels, focus on patch-testing, and pay attention to how their own skin behaves. For those already picking “fragrance-free” and “minimal ingredient” products, skipping PEGs may be one extra step toward peace of mind — but outside documented allergies, PEG-400 isn’t unexpected in skin-friendly lines.
People also ask about PEG-400 because of its petroleum origins. Sustainability matters. While some companies now source from plant-derived ethylene, much of the industry still uses fossil fuels. More demand for green chemistry could convince manufacturers to invest in cleaner processes and transparent supply chains. Shoppers can look for brands that emphasize responsible sourcing and third-party testing, which adds another layer of trust, not just for skin safety but for environmental reasons, too.
Staying informed is key. Check for third-party certifications, ingredient purity, and manufacturing standards. If a brand publishes lab testing results for their raw materials, that’s a bonus. Even drugstores carry reputable lines with strict quality oversight, and brands with dermatologist endorsement often take extra care during formulation.
For a lot of us, ingredients don’t matter until they cause a reaction. Reading up on individual sensitivities, talking to dermatologists, and not being afraid to email companies with questions helps to clear up confusion. Pluracare E 400 won’t be an issue for most users, especially when brands stick to purity and proven safety practices. But staying curious and asking the right questions helps everyone — from the ingredient skeptics to those chasing soft skin and simple routines.
Dig into Pluracare E 400 and you’ll find polyethylene glycol 400. This ingredient comes from repeating units of ethylene oxide, strung together in the thousands, producing a clear, odorless liquid. Every time someone picks up a bottle of lotion, eye drops, or even laxatives at the pharmacy, there’s a good chance it relies on that same backbone: PEG 400.
Polyethylene glycol blends water-loving “polyoxyethylene” with simple alcohol chemistry. Its main building blocks: carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen tossed together in a way that attracts water-molecules like a magnet. The molecular formula, long and tangled, mirrors the way it locks in moisture or lets ingredients dissolve that wouldn’t mix on their own. No hidden heavy metals, no dyes, no perfumes—just a stubbornly simple chemical that does a huge amount of heavy lifting in all sorts of products.
Pick a cream off a drugstore shelf and the smooth feel might trace back to PEG 400. Its purity sets the standard, with low levels of residual impurities and strict manufacturing controls to ensure safety. Consistency matters—one batch that misses the mark could mean an eye drop doesn’t soothe, a cream doesn’t spread, or a laxative doesn’t work right. That’s not just an inconvenience but a risk for people with sensitive skin or chronic health conditions. The FDA and European health agencies pay close attention for a reason; even tiny impurities, if left unchecked, could cause reactions nobody wants.
I remember a pharmacy compounding lab where no one even blinked at the sight of giant jugs of PEG 400—they trusted its safety, proven by years of use. Still, vigilance never goes out of style. Methanol or other contaminants, if present in the tiniest traces, could put patients in danger. This is why Pluracare E 400 comes with a complete certificate of analysis, batch after batch, giving pharmacists and manufacturers confidence in what they’re passing on to customers.
At ground level, families battling dry skin, patients needing gentle eye lubrication, and folks dealing with irregularity all turn to products built on PEG 400. That’s a lot of trust placed in something you can’t see or smell. Allergies to PEGs do crop up, though rarely. The risk jumps if contamination seeps in during production or storage. Consumers have a right to expect what’s on the label matches what’s inside, every single time.
Quality starts with trusted suppliers. Reputable brands share sourcing details and offer transparency about their chain of custody. Every manufacturer worth their license invests in purification steps and triple-checks their supply lines for compliance with regulations like USP, Ph. Eur., and FDA standards. Documentation—lots of it—backs up each shipment, covering content and purity with clear traceability.
Choosing Pluracare E 400 from trusted sources means supporting a higher bar for safety. For those working in clinical or personal care settings, demanding documentation and pushing for transparency helps keep standards high. It’s a shared responsibility that directly affects public health.
Industry can keep safety front-of-mind by guaranteeing accessible test results and offering detailed breakdowns for content and contaminant limits. Regular independent testing and third-party certification can help maintain standards. The push for green chemistry may yield new tweaks to old formulas, possibly reducing waste and tightening contaminant controls. Informed choice comes from real facts—something everyone benefits from, whether standing in a pharmacy aisle or mixing up a custom formula in a lab.
Working in a lab means never taking product storage for granted. I’ve seen what happens to pricey materials left in the wrong spot—they degrade, clump up, spill, or even become hazardous. Pluracare E 400 sits among those compounds that play crucial roles in formulations, often popping up in personal care products, pharmaceuticals and even food emulsions. It’s mostly known as Polyethylene Glycol 400, which usually comes as a clear viscous liquid. Because it blends into so many applications, its condition at the point of use holds real weight for finished product safety and quality.
I always reached for a cool, dry shelf that dodged sunlight and heat sources. Sun rays or heat from nearby radiators can shift chemical structures or introduce unwanted side products. For Pluracare E 400, normal room temperature—roughly between 15°C to 25°C—gives best results. Storing it this way prevents viscosity changes and helps keep out contaminants that love warm, humid spots. I remember a batch that turned slightly yellow after sitting by a window; not a huge problem clinically, but a warning sign for anyone chasing consistent performance.
Contamination stands out as the silent menace with most viscous liquids. Airborne dust, a stray droplet of water, or careless hands can all introduce unexpected trouble. Always screw the lid on tight. Use containers made from materials that won’t react—usually HDPE or glass work well. Metal containers can sometimes cause trace-level reactions, especially if acids or bases sneak their way in during use. Leaving a jug open, even for a short time during a rush, invited gritty streaks or microbial growth—a mistake I’ve regretted.
Moisture loves to find its way into half-closed bottles. PEGs, including Pluracare E 400, act a bit hygroscopic, which means they pull water from humid air. A little water may not always be noticeable, but too much and you’ll end up with a diluted, unpredictable product that may separate or support microbial growth. If your workplace faces humid summers, consider silica gel packs inside cabinets or climate-conscious storage areas. A small investment in dehumidifiers or indoor air control easily cuts long-term costs from spoiled product.
Labeling containers with purchase dates and lot numbers never feels exciting, but it helps. Good records help spot whether a change in performance ties back to storage time, original supplier, or an unnoticed spill. Expiry dates suggested by suppliers aren’t just there for compliance; they give a guide for performance reliability. In my own work, catching a bad batch early stemmed directly from a habit of labeling and reviewing inventory every month.
Ignoring proper storage can result in lost hours and wasted supplies, or worse, unsafe products making it to customers. Pluracare E 400 doesn’t call for refrigerated storage in most climates, but keeping it in a stable environment, with lids always tightly screwed down, keeps it ready for critical uses. Training everyone in the room to understand why good storage matters—rather than assuming “someone else will”—builds good habits that pay off every single batch.
Pluracare E 400 pops up in all sorts of ingredient lists, and people in the ingredient sourcing world know it as a form of polyethylene glycol (PEG 400). Chemists trust PEGs for their water solubility, mildness, and blending properties. Pluracare E 400, in particular, comes as a clear, viscous liquid. Companies turn to PEGs for everything from creams and ointments to processed foods and drink mixes. But should this scenario extend to foods and pharmaceuticals? The question draws strong opinions and requires a closer look at regulatory data, safety, and consumer trust.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists PEG 400 as "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS) for certain uses. It has a standing in pharmaceutical preparations—it's used in products like laxatives, capsules, and liquid medicines because it mixes with water and holds active ingredients in place. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) also clears PEG 400 for specific drug use. Pluracare E 400 matches these profiles because its chemical identity sits squarely with PEG 400.
Food use brings another dimension of scrutiny. In the U.S., FDA allows PEG 400 mainly as an additive that keeps foods moist or helps keep artificial colors and flavors suspended in drinks. But not every form of PEG 400 hits the same bar—purity and source matter. Industrial grades don't meet food safety standards, and only grades manufactured and tested to strict benchmarks earn food or pharmaceutical approvals. Firms need certificates of analysis, strong tracking documents, and up-to-date safety data sheets to prove suitability for food or drug use. This isn't corporate red tape. Contaminants, such as ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane, slip into lower-quality PEGs and pose real risks.
Trust stands on quality and transparency. From my work with ingredient teams, I've seen how a single quality slip can tarnish a reputation. If a supplier cuts corners on testing, companies pay the price with recalls and lost consumer trust. Only food-grade and pharma-grade Pluracare E 400, accompanied by detailed documentation and batch-level testing, belongs anywhere near a health product. People want to know what they eat or take is safe.
Several medical studies point out that PEG 400 may cause rare allergic reactions, usually mild, but everyone reacts differently. Some people report intolerance to PEGs, especially in large-volume laxative solutions. The dose and purity carry as much weight as regulatory certificates.
Manufacturers and formulators looking to use Pluracare E 400 should only work with trusted suppliers. Full traceability, current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and regular audits close most risk gaps. Suppliers ought to share batch certificates, impurity profiles, and compliance letters before any order ships out.
Smaller brands often try to save on cost, but safety cuts lead nowhere good. Responsible sourcing alone doesn’t solve everything, though. Open communication with customers about ingredient choices, potential allergens, and the reason behind using PEG 400 adds another layer of trust. A commitment to safety goes further than a one-page compliance sheet—it’s something customers feel in their daily lives.
So, the big picture: Only high-purity, certified Pluracare E 400 matches food or pharma standards. Demand proof, push for transparency, and keep the bar high for everyone’s sake.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | α-hydro-ω-hydroxypoly(oxyethylene) |
| Other names |
PEG-8 Polyethylene Glycol 400 PEG 400 |
| Pronunciation | /ˈpiː.iː.dʒiː ˈsɜː.fæk.tənt ˈplʊə.rə.kɛər ˈiː ˈfɔːr ˈhʌn.drəd/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 64366-70-7 |
| Beilstein Reference | 3924987 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:28262 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL3834677 |
| ChemSpider | 3307330 |
| DrugBank | DB09531 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 11d9c85c-49e0-416e-ac0c-23fc72b92f51 |
| EC Number | 500-038-2 |
| Gmelin Reference | 22568 |
| KEGG | C10002626 |
| MeSH | Dodecyl-beta-D-maltoside |
| PubChem CID | 8637 |
| RTECS number | BZ2975000 |
| UNII | V0963995JZ |
| UN number | UN Not Regulated |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID90852716 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C₂ₙH₄ₙ₊₂Oₙ₊₁ |
| Molar mass | 380-420 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to slightly yellow liquid |
| Odor | Characteristic |
| Density | 1.13 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Soluble in water |
| log P | -2.1 |
| Vapor pressure | Negligible |
| Basicity (pKb) | 11.5 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -7.4e-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.455 |
| Viscosity | 225-400 cP |
| Dipole moment | 2.56 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -2460 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | V06DA |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Causes serious eye irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS07, GHS09 |
| Hazard statements | No hazard statement. |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | > 229 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | > 210 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): >2000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): >2000 mg/kg (oral, rat) |
| NIOSH | Not listed |
| PEL (Permissible) | 50 ppm |
| REL (Recommended) | 17 mg/m³ |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Polyethylene glycol Polyethylene glycol monooleate Poloxamer 188 Polysorbate 20 Polysorbate 80 |
