PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether?

PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether is a synthetic compound created by reacting lauryl alcohol, a C12 fatty alcohol derived from natural sources like coconut or palm, with one unit of polypropylene glycol (PPG-1) and nine units of polyethylene glycol (PEG-9). This results in a hydrophilic, nonionic surfactant with ether linkages. Commonly used in rinse-off cleansing products such as shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers, it also appears in leave-on emulsions like lotions and creams. Its primary function involves lowering the surface tension at the oil-water interface, which disperses oils and dirt for effective cleansing while stabilizing mixtures to prevent separation, ensuring products remain uniform and easy to apply.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 3 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Benefits

Enables thorough yet gentle cleansing by breaking down oils and residues on skin.

Supports stable emulsions in lotions and creams for consistent, non-separating textures.

Contributes to foaming action in washes for a satisfying user experience.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals using daily foaming cleansers or shampoos.
Those with allergies to PEG compounds or ethoxylated ingredients.
Users of emulsified moisturizers seeking smooth application.
Individuals experiencing irritation from similar surfactants.
People with non-sensitive skin preferring effective rinse-off products.
People preferring silicone- or sulfate-free formulations.

Safety Notes

  • Considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations, with low comedogenic potential.
  • Potential for trace impurities like 1,4-dioxane requires good manufacturing practices.

Frequently Asked Questions about PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether

What does this ingredient do in products?

It acts as a surfactant to cleanse and an emulsifier to blend oils and water for stable formulas.

Is it comedogenic?

It has a comedogenic rating of zero, making it unlikely to clog pores.

Safe for sensitive skin?

Generally mild, but patch test if sensitive to PEGs or surfactants.