PPG-15-Buteth-20

What is PPG-15-Buteth-20?

PPG-15-Buteth-20 is a synthetic polyether compound formed by reacting polypropylene glycol monobutyl ether (with 15 propylene oxide units) with ethylene oxide (20 units). This structure provides amphiphilic properties, balancing water-soluble and oil-soluble segments. Primarily used in rinse-off and leave-on haircare and skincare products like shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and lotions, it excels as a fragrance solubilizer in clear aqueous formulas, preventing phase separation and maintaining transparency. It stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions by reducing interfacial tension, supports mild cleansing through surfactant action, and enhances sensory attributes via conditioning effects that smooth surfaces and reduce friction on skin and hair shafts. Its colorless, low-viscosity nature suits lightweight formulations such as sprays and gels.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Fragrance ingredient
Contributes scent character and/or masks base odors, shaping the overall sensory experience of the formula (subject to allergen and IFRA considerations).
Hair conditioning
Improves softness, shine, and manageability by reducing friction and static; commonly achieved with cationic agents, silicones, oils, or conditioning polymers.
Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.
Solvent
Dissolves and carries other ingredients, helping control viscosity, evaporation rate, and delivery of actives in both water- and oil-based systems.
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 clear, stable fragranced water-based products by solubilizing scents effectively.

Improves product texture and spreadability through emulsifying and conditioning actions.

Supports gentle cleansing and conditioning for smoother skin and hair feel.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Users of shampoos and conditioners seeking manageable, shiny hair.
Those with rare sensitivity to polyether surfactants.
Individuals with normal skin enjoying lotions and cleansers with even fragrance.
Individuals avoiding synthetic ethoxylated ingredients.
People preferring lightweight, transparent gel or spray formulations.
People preferring completely natural or minimalist product compositions.

Safety Notes

  • Considered low hazard with minimal irritation risk in typical cosmetic use.
  • Suitable for broad application in both rinse-off and leave-on products.

Frequently Asked Questions about PPG-15-Buteth-20

What does PPG-15-Buteth-20 do in products?

It solubilizes fragrances, emulsifies oils and water, and conditions skin and hair for better texture.

Is PPG-15-Buteth-20 irritating?

It has low irritation potential based on cosmetic safety assessments.

Where is it commonly used?

Found in shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and fragranced cleansers.