Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) 1000 is a water-soluble, nonionic polyether polymer widely used in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, personal care, and industrial formulation applications. PEG polymers are valued for their compatibility with aqueous systems, lubricity, humectant properties, and formulation versatility across a broad range of research and manufacturing environments.
Synonyms and related names: Polyethylene glycol 1000, PEG 1000, macrogol 1000, poly(ethylene glycol), poly(ethylene oxide).
Polyethylene glycol consists of repeating ethylene oxide units and is available in a range of molecular weights that influence physical characteristics and application suitability. PEG 1000 is commonly utilized in formulation development, excipient research, coatings, biomaterials studies, and personal care products.
Researchers and formulators use PEG polymers where water solubility, moisture retention, surface modification, or processing performance are important considerations.
Key Properties
- Water-soluble, nonionic polymer
- Average molecular weight approximately 1000
- Polyether polymer composed of repeating ethylene oxide units
- Hydroxyl-terminated polymer chains
- Provides humectant and lubricity functionality
- Suitable for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and industrial research applications
Applications
Pharmaceutical & Formulation Research
PEG 1000 is widely used in formulation development, excipient research, solubilization studies, and pharmaceutical processing applications.
Biotechnology & Biomaterials Research
Researchers utilize polyethylene glycol in biomaterials development, surface modification studies, protein conjugation research, and biotechnology applications.
Personal Care & Cosmetic Formulations
PEG polymers are commonly incorporated into cosmetic and personal care products where humectancy, texture modification, or formulation stability are desired.
Coatings & Surface Modification
PEG 1000 may be used in coatings, surface treatments, and specialty formulations that benefit from water compatibility and polymer functionality.
Industrial Formulation Development
The polymer is used in a variety of industrial formulations where lubrication, moisture management, or processing performance are important considerations.
Material Characteristics
- Hydrophilic polymer structure
- Compatible with many aqueous systems
- Broadly used across research and manufacturing applications
- Available as part of the polyethylene glycol polymer family
- Chemically equivalent to poly(ethylene oxide)
Performance depends on molecular weight, concentration, formulation composition, processing conditions, and intended application requirements.
Formulation Considerations
- Select molecular weight appropriate for the target application
- Evaluate compatibility with formulation ingredients
- Optimize concentration based on desired performance characteristics
- Conduct application-specific testing prior to scale-up
Handling & Storage
- Store in a cool, dry environment
- Keep container tightly closed when not in use
- Protect from contamination and excessive moisture exposure
- Follow standard laboratory and manufacturing handling procedures
Why Choose Polysciences?
Trusted by 6,000+ Researchers Worldwide
Cited in Thousands of Peer-Reviewed Studies
U.S. Manufacturing & Global Distribution
Reliable Delivery to 40+ Countries
FAQ
Click a question to expand.
1. What is PEG 1000?
PEG 1000 is a water-soluble polyethylene glycol polymer with an average molecular weight of approximately 1000 and broad utility in formulation and research applications.
2. What is polyethylene glycol used for?
Polyethylene glycol is commonly used in pharmaceutical formulations, biotechnology research, personal care products, coatings, biomaterials development, and industrial formulations.
3. Is PEG 1000 water soluble?
Yes. PEG 1000 is a hydrophilic, water-soluble polymer that is widely used in aqueous formulations and processing applications.
4. What is the difference between PEG and poly(ethylene oxide)?
PEG and poly(ethylene oxide) are chemically identical polymers. The terminology is generally distinguished by molecular weight conventions.
5. Why is PEG used in formulation development?
PEG polymers are valued for their water solubility, formulation flexibility, lubricity, humectant properties, and compatibility with a wide range of ingredients and systems.
Safety & Documentation
Follow standard laboratory and manufacturing handling procedures when working with PEG 1000. Refer to the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and technical documentation for complete handling, storage, and safety information.
