The two polyethylene glycol products — SAPEG 400/600 PH — are non-irritant and odorless liquids that can be used in pharmaceutical preparations for consumer items such as cosmetics, creams, toothpaste and soap.

SABIC has obtained approvals and certificates required by regulatory bodies in the EU and US for the products.

“The new product launch in local and global markets is another major enhancement of SABIC’s health care and hygiene portfolio. The products are expected to create new business opportunities in the pharmaceutical segment,” Abdullah Al-Juhany, director of global communications at SABIC, said in a press statement.

The conglomerate has 12,540 global patent filings and significant research projects underway in the US, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia and North Asia. It has more than 33,000 employees worldwide and operates in about 50 countries.

The chemical giant’s move into the beauty industry is no surprise since it is a fast-growing sector in the Kingdom.

According to a recent report by Euromonitor International, Saudi Arabia is the largest market for personal care and beauty in the Middle East and Africa.