PPG-5-Ceteth-20
AKA “Polypropylene Glycol Cetyl Ether, PPG-5-Ceteth-20”
Surfactant
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Ingredient Facts
PPG-5-Ceteth-20
AKA: Polypropylene Glycol Cetyl Ether
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 2
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
Oxirane, methyl-, polymer with oxirane, hexadecyl ether
CAS #
9087-53-0, 37311-01-6
See origin →
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Fights Bacteria
Antioxidant Protection
Brightens Skin
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A modern synthetic emulsifier developed in the cosmetics industry during the 20th century. Formulated to improve the blending of water and oil-based ingredients in skincare products.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Irritant
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
PPG-5-Ceteth-20
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PPG-5-Ceteth-20
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Microemulsions formed by PPG-5-CETETH-20 at low concentrations for transdermal delivery of nifedipine: Structural and in vitro study.
Souza de Araujo GR, Mendonça da Cruz Macieira G, Xavier de Oliveira D, Santos Matos S, Nery Dos Santos Q et al.
Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces, 2022
Microemulsions formed by PPG-5-CETETH-20 at low concentrations for transdermal delivery of nifedipine: Structural and in vitro study.
Souza de Araujo GR, Mendonça da Cruz Macieira G, Xavier de Oliveira D, Santos Matos S, Nery Dos Santos Q et al.
Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces, 2022
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR