Quick answer
Ether of cetyl alcohol; Helps to create cohesive, well-mixed formulas; Provides emollient properties that assist with hydration; CIR Expert Panel deemed safe for use in cosmetics Key benefits: Hydration.
Ppg-5-ceteth-20
Updated
Oxirane, methyl-, polymer with oxirane, hexadecyl ether
Purpose
A synthetic surfactant and emulsifier that helps to create stable, homogenous formulas and provides emollience.
Rating
GOOD
Category
Cleansing Agent, Emollient, Emulsifier
INCI Purpose
SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
Benefits
Alternative Names
At a Glance
Ether of cetyl alcohol
Helps to create cohesive, well-mixed formulas
Provides emollient properties that assist with hydration
CIR Expert Panel deemed safe for use in cosmetics
Article
PPG-5-Ceteth-20 is a synthetic surfactant and emulsifying agent used in skin care to help create cohesive formulas. This ingredient also serves as an emollient and imparts a dry, silky feel on skin.
This ingredient works to make sure water and oil-based ingredients mix and don’t separate while also forming a barrier over skin, helping to trap moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss.
It’s an ether (a compound having a carbon-oxygen-carbon bond) of cetyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol, and usually appears in cosmetic formulas in percentages between 0.05 and 10%.
In its raw material form, PPG-5-Ceteth-20 is a clear-to-slightly hazy liquid. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel analyzed PPG-5-Ceteth-20 and deemed it safe for use in cosmetic applications.
See: Cetyl Alcohol
References