Polyethylene Glycol 300 (PEG 300) is a low-molecular-weight, water-soluble polyether supplied as a liquid and used as a solvent, carrier, humectant, or formulation aid. Its nominal average molecular weight is approximately 300 g/mol; because it is a polymer mixture, it is not one single molecule with a fixed chain length. Buyers typically evaluate PEG 300 by its required grade, test specifications, compatibility with other ingredients, and documentation—not by its name alone. In this guide, we explain its properties and common applications and outline practical steps for comparing products and suppliers.
This guide is intended for formulators, procurement teams, distributors, and manufacturers considering PEG 300 for an industrial or formulated product. It is useful if you need to understand how PEG 300 differs from other PEG molecular-weight grades or what information to request during supplier qualification. The product’s suitability depends on the intended application and the specification required for the finished product. For regulated uses, confirm applicable requirements with your quality and regulatory teams before purchasing.
PEG 300 is part of the polyethylene glycol family, a group of polymers made from repeating ethylene oxide units. Its general structure is written as HO–(CH2CH2O)n–H, with the chain length varying across the molecules in a commercial product. Each ethylene oxide repeat unit contributes approximately 44.05 g/mol, while the “300” in PEG 300 refers to a nominal average molecular weight, rather than a guarantee that every molecule weighs exactly 300 g/mol.
PEG 300 is generally a clear, viscous liquid at typical room temperatures of 20–25°C. It is water-soluble and attracts moisture, so handling and storage practices should take account of the container, exposure conditions, and the product’s specification. Exact appearance, viscosity, water content, and other acceptance limits should be checked against the supplier’s current technical data sheet and certificate of analysis (COA).
PEG 300’s relatively low molecular weight makes it a liquid option within the PEG family. Its hydroxyl end groups and ether-rich chain contribute to its behavior in formulations, but performance depends on the full recipe, processing conditions, and the materials it contacts. Water solubility can make it useful in water-based systems, although it does not establish compatibility with every ingredient or finished-product requirement.
| Characteristic | Practical meaning for buyers | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal average molecular weight: 300 g/mol | Identifies a low-molecular-weight PEG grade | Product identity and relevant molecular-weight specification |
| Liquid form at typical ambient temperatures | Can be handled as a liquid ingredient in many processes | Appearance, viscosity, and handling requirements for the offered grade |
| Water-soluble and moisture-attracting | May be suitable for certain aqueous formulations; moisture exposure can matter | Water content limits, packaging integrity, and storage guidance |
| Polymer with a distribution of chain lengths | Commercial material is characterized by an average, not one exact molecule | Test methods, batch documentation, and acceptance criteria |
PEG 300 may be offered for different market or application needs, but a grade description should not be treated as proof of compliance with a particular standard. If a formulation is intended for pharmaceutical, personal care, food-related, or another regulated use, request the documents relevant to that application and have your compliance team review them. Depending on the supplier and product, useful documents may include a specification sheet, COA, safety data sheet, and information on traceability or change notification. Always confirm that the specific product and manufacturing site meet your project’s requirements.
PEG 300 can serve as a solvent or carrier for selected ingredients, a humectant in some formulations, or a processing and formulation aid. It is used in a range of product-development settings, including personal care, pharmaceutical formulations, and industrial products, where the selected grade and applicable rules must be assessed for the intended use. Its liquid handling characteristics can be relevant when a formulator needs a PEG that can be incorporated without first melting a solid grade. These are potential functions, not a guarantee of performance in a particular recipe.
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Application matching should begin with the role PEG 300 is expected to perform. If the goal is moisture retention, assess the finished product’s stability and sensory or performance requirements; if the goal is solvent or carrier function, check solubility, ingredient compatibility, and process conditions. For uses involving direct human contact or regulated products, evaluate applicable specifications and safety documentation rather than assuming that a general industrial grade is suitable. Small-scale compatibility and stability testing can help identify issues before commercial procurement.
Use the same written specification when requesting quotations from multiple suppliers. This makes offers easier to compare and reduces the risk of choosing on price while overlooking differences in documentation, packaging, or agreed quality limits. For a new formulation, establish an internal sample evaluation plan before moving to a larger order. Your final acceptance criteria should be based on your process and applicable requirements, not on a generic product description.
A frequent mistake is treating “PEG 300” as a complete specification. The name indicates a nominal molecular-weight grade, but it does not by itself define every quality parameter, intended-use suitability, or regulatory status. Buyers can also overlook moisture exposure, change-control expectations, or whether the supplier can provide a batch-specific COA. Clarifying these points before purchase supports a more reliable qualification process.
PEG 300 pricing may depend on order volume, grade requirements, packaging, destination, and prevailing supply conditions. Minimum order quantity (MOQ) and lead time are supplier- and order-specific, so they should be confirmed in a written quotation rather than assumed from a general product page. For an accurate comparison, provide the required specification, annual or trial quantity, packaging preference, delivery location, and documentation needs. A lower quoted price may not be comparable if the offered grade or service scope differs.
At OXIRANCHEM, we support B2B buyers evaluating polyethylene glycol products by discussing application requirements, requested specifications, packaging, and export needs. We encourage customers to share their target grade and documentation expectations so that the offer can be assessed against the project rather than relying on a product name alone. Availability, commercial terms, and supplied documentation should be confirmed for each order. Our team can help buyers clarify the information needed for a quotation and product review.
PEG 300 is a liquid, water-soluble polyethylene glycol with a nominal average molecular weight of approximately 300 g/mol. It may be considered as a solvent, carrier, humectant, or formulation aid, but suitability depends on the specific application, grade, and supporting documentation. The most important purchasing step is to translate the product name into written quality, packaging, and compliance requirements. Review the supplier’s specification and COA, and validate compatibility in your process before commercial use.
To evaluate PEG 300 for your project, prepare your intended application, target specification, order quantity, packaging preference, and destination. Contact OXIRANCHEM with these details to request product information and a B2B quotation. This gives both parties a clear basis for discussing grade suitability, documentation, MOQ, and lead time.
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