Polyethylene glycol 400 monooleate (PEG400MO) is not classified as a substance posing physical, health, or environmental hazards under the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) and EU CLP regulations. Its acute oral toxicity is very low (rat LD₅₀ >5,000 mg/kg), skin irritation tests showed a primary irritation index (PII) of 0.0, indicating no irritation, and skin sensitization test results were negative. Overall, this product presents very low safety risks in daily use, but it should still be handled in accordance with basic chemical operating procedures.
Special attention should be paid to the product's potential to cause mild transient discomfort to the eyes (rabbit test 24-hour mean score below 2.0), making eye protection the most important aspect of personal protective measures. Additionally, the product should be strictly avoided from contact with strong oxidizing agents (such as peroxides, high-concentration nitric acid, perchlorates, etc.) to prevent vigorous reactions. Under fire conditions with high temperatures, the product may decompose and release toxic or irritating fumes such as carbon monoxide.
The product has some hygroscopicity and should be avoided from exposure to high-humidity environments. Long-term storage is recommended at temperatures between 5°C and 40°C. Low temperatures may cause the product to solidify or become viscous, which is a normal physical change. It can be restored by gently warming and stirring before use, without affecting product quality.
| Parameter | Value/Description |
|---|---|
| Physical State and Color | Pale yellow to amber transparent oily liquid |
| Flash Point (Closed Cup) | Typically >150°C (not classified as flammable liquid) |
| Acute Oral Toxicity (Rat) | LD₅₀ >5,000 mg/kg (low toxicity) |
| Acute Dermal Toxicity (Rabbit) | LD₅₀ >2,000 mg/kg (low toxicity) |
| Skin Irritation (Rabbit) | Non-irritating, PII = 0.0 |
| Eye Irritation (Rabbit) | May cause mild discomfort, 24h score <2.0 |
| Skin Sensitization (Guinea Pig) | Negative, no sensitization |
| Acute Fish Toxicity (Zebrafish, 96h) | LC₅₀ >100 mg/L |
| Aquatic Invertebrate (Daphnia magna, 48h) | EC₅₀ >100 mg/L |
| Recommended Storage Temperature | 5°C to 40°C |
| Chemical Stability | Stable under recommended storage conditions |
PEG400MO is widely used in cosmetics and personal care products (creams, lotions, makeup removers, etc.), textile auxiliaries, metalworking fluids, pesticide formulations, paints and inks, industrial cleaning, and leather chemicals. In practical applications, it is recommended to determine the optimal dosage through experiments based on the specific formulation system. In cosmetic formulations, the typical addition amount is usually in the range of 1% to 5%; in pesticide emulsifiable concentrate formulations used as an emulsifier, the addition amount is generally between 5% and 15%. The product can be used in combination with nonionic, anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants, offering high formulation flexibility.
If used in high-end personal care formulations sensitive to odor, it is recommended to conduct an odor assessment of the raw material before use. Before use in low-temperature seasons, if the product solidifies, it can be placed in a warm environment (not exceeding 40°C) and stirred appropriately until it returns to a flowable state for normal use.