Why we don’t use PEG

PEG stands for Polyethylene Glycol, which is a group of synthetic chemicals used in cosmetics and skincare products. PEGs serve various purposes in formulations, such as:

·       Emulsifiers: They help mix water and oils in products like moisturizers and serums.

·       Solvents: PEGs can dissolve other ingredients and improve product texture.

·       Humectants: They can attract moisture to the skin.

Lord & Lily never use PEGs or PEG-related ingredients.

 

That’s because PEGs (short for polyethylene glycols) are made through a chemical process that uses harmful, even toxic, substances. Even if some of these chemicals are removed, small traces can still remain in the final product. At Lord & Lily, we believe your skin deserves better—so we stay away from ingredients made through this kind of risky processing.

 

When PEGs (polyethylene glycols) and PEG derivatives are made, they go through a chemical process called ethoxylation, which uses toxic or potentially carcinogenic substances. Here are some examples of the harmful ingredients involved in this process:

 

🚫 Harmful Chemicals Used in Making PEGs

      1. Ethylene Oxide

      •         A known human carcinogen (linked to breast cancer and lymphoma)

      •         Used to make PEGs water-soluble

      •         Highly toxic and reactive

      2. 1,4-Dioxane

      •         A byproduct of ethoxylation

            •         Also a probable human carcinogen

            •         Can remain as a contaminant in finished skincare products if not properly removed

      3. Heavy Metals (e.g., lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury)

      •         Sometimes found as residual contaminants in PEGs, depending on how and where they’re produced

      •         Can accumulate in the body over time, potentially leading to serious health issues

      4. Formaldehyde (in some PEG blends or related ingredients)

      •         A known skin irritant and carcinogen

      •         Sometimes used as a preservative or may form during product degradation

Why Many Skincare Brands Choose PEG:

Despite these concerns, many popular skincare brands still use PEGs because:

1. Effective Performance: PEGs are highly effective at stabilizing formulations, making them versatile for a wide range of textures and product types, from cleansers to moisturizers.
2. Cost-Effectiveness: PEGs are relatively inexpensive compared to some natural alternatives, making them a common choice for mass-market skincare brands.
3. Product Stability: They help preserve the shelf life and stability of formulations by preventing ingredient separation.
4. Ease of Formulation: PEGs can be used to dissolve and mix other difficult-to-combine ingredients, creating smooth, consistent formulations.

Alternatives to PEG Used by Lord & Lily:

Since Lord & Lily avoids using PEG in their products, they choose natural or more skin-friendly alternatives. These could include:

1. Plant-Based Emulsifiers: Ingredients like cetearyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, or sorbitan olivate are derived from natural sources and can effectively emulsify and stabilize products without the need for PEG.
2. Natural Humectants: Instead of PEGs, they might use ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or aloe vera to draw moisture into the skin.
3. Plant Oils & Butters: Natural oils like jojoba oil, squalane, and argan oil can be used to moisturize the skin, providing a natural alternative to the emollient effects of PEGs.
4. Silicone-Free Alternatives: If a product is designed to give a smooth, silky feel (like some PEG-based formulas), natural alternatives like shea butter could be used to create similar textures.
5. Natural Solvents: Instead of synthetic PEG-based solvents, Lord & Lily opt for natural oils or water-based solutions that have solvent-like qualities but are less harsh on the skin.

 

A Message from Lily, Founder of Lord & Lily:

At Lord & Lily, we prioritize your skin's health by avoiding PEG and other harmful ingredients. Every product is carefully crafted with pure, effective, and sustainable ingredients, ensuring a skincare experience you can trust. When you choose us, you're not just caring for your skin—you're supporting a brand committed to transparency and the environment.