Question

Is PEG400MO (Polyethylene Glycol 400 Monooleate) harmful to humans? Does it have any impact on the environment?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 PEG400MO,聚乙二醇400单油酸酯

PEG400MO (Polyethylene Glycol 400 Monooleate) is non-toxic and harmless to humans, non-irritating and non-sensitizing to the skin, and has low toxicity to the aquatic environment. It is a nonionic surfactant with excellent safety properties.

Detailed Explanation

According to the product safety data and toxicological evaluation provided by Hai'an Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd., PEG400MO (Polyethylene Glycol 400 Monooleate) poses extremely low risk to human health under normal conditions of use. This product is not classified as any physical, health, or environmental hazard under the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) or the EU CLP regulation, demonstrating overall excellent safety performance.

From a toxicological perspective, the acute oral toxicity test (rats) shows an LD₅₀ greater than 5,000 mg/kg, indicating low toxicity level; the acute dermal toxicity test (rabbits) shows an LD₅₀ greater than 2,000 mg/kg, also within the low toxicity range. In the skin irritation test, the primary irritation index (PII) was 0.0, indicating no skin irritation; the skin sensitization test (guinea pigs) was negative, showing no sensitizing potential. Only in the eye irritation test, it may cause slight transient discomfort, with a 24-hour average score below 2.0, classified as a very mild reaction. Overall, this product exhibits a very favorable safety profile for humans and is suitable for applications with high safety requirements such as personal care products.

Regarding the environment, ecotoxicological data show that the 96-hour acute toxicity (LC₅₀) to zebrafish is greater than 100 mg/L, and the 48-hour acute toxicity (EC₅₀) to Daphnia magna is also greater than 100 mg/L, indicating very low toxicity to aquatic organisms. The product itself is biodegradable, but it is still recommended to prevent undiluted large spills from directly entering water bodies or the ecological environment and to follow compliant waste disposal procedures.

Technical Parameters

Assessment ItemTest Subject/ConditionsResult/DataConclusion
Acute Oral ToxicityRatLD₅₀ > 5,000 mg/kgLow toxicity
Acute Dermal ToxicityRabbitLD₅₀ > 2,000 mg/kgLow toxicity
Skin IrritationRabbitPII = 0.0Non-irritating
Eye IrritationRabbit24h average score < 2.0Possible slight discomfort
Skin SensitizationGuinea pigNegativeNo sensitization
Fish Acute Toxicity (96h)ZebrafishLC₅₀ > 100 mg/LLow toxicity to aquatic organisms
Aquatic Invertebrate Toxicity (48h)Daphnia magnaEC₅₀ > 100 mg/LLow toxicity to aquatic organisms
GHS Hazard ClassificationNot classified as any hazard categoryNon-hazardous substance
Flash Point (Closed Cup)Usually > 150°CNon-flammable liquid

Application Recommendations

Based on its excellent safety characteristics, PEG400MO is highly suitable for the following fields with strict health and environmental requirements:

  • Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: Used as an emulsifier and emollient in creams, lotions, makeup removers, and facial cleansers. Its non-irritating and non-sensitizing properties make it an ideal choice for formulating products for sensitive skin.
  • Pesticide Formulations: When used as a nonionic emulsifier, its low toxicity reduces potential risks to users and field ecology.
  • Textile Auxiliaries: When used in spinning oils and finishing agents, the risk of skin contact for operators is low, allowing safe operation without special protective measures.

Precautions

  • Eye Protection: Although irritation is extremely low, based on good occupational hygiene practices, it is recommended to wear safety goggles during operation to prevent accidental splashes into the eyes that may cause discomfort.
  • Hand Protection: For prolonged or repeated contact, it is recommended to wear protective gloves made of nitrile rubber or chloroprene rubber.
  • Environmental Protection: Although ecotoxicity is low, avoid direct discharge of large undiluted spills into sewers, surface water, or soil. In case of a spill, use inert absorbent materials and dispose of according to regulations.
  • Storage Conditions: Store at 5°C to 40°C in a dry, well-ventilated area, away from strong oxidizers. Low temperatures may cause the product to solidify; it can be restored by warming and stirring, which does not affect quality.
  • Waste Disposal: Waste product and contaminated containers should be disposed of through incineration or biological treatment by qualified professional waste disposal companies in accordance with local environmental regulations. Do not discard indiscriminately.