PPG-17-Buteth-17

What is PPG-17-Buteth-17?

PPG-17-Buteth-17 is a synthetic, amphiphilic polymer composed of a polypropylene glycol chain with 17 units linked to a butoxy polyethylene glycol chain with 17 ethoxy units. This block copolymer structure gives it hydrophilic and lipophilic properties ideal for cosmetics. It appears in shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and scented emulsions. Primarily, it acts as a surfactant by lowering surface tension to promote foaming and cleansing. As an emulsifier, it stabilizes mixtures of oils and water, preventing separation for uniform consistency. It excels at solubilizing water-insoluble fragrances, ensuring even dispersion and longevity of scents. Additionally, it forms a lightweight film that aids in conditioning, improving tactile feel on skin and hair surfaces without greasiness.

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.
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

Stabilizes emulsions for smooth, consistent product textures in lotions and cleansers.

Solubilizes fragrances effectively, providing stable and pleasant scents in water-based formulas.

Offers mild conditioning effects, enhancing softness and manageability of skin and hair.

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 shampoos or conditioners for improved hair feel.
Those with rare allergies to polyether compounds.
Users of fragranced body washes seeking consistent scent delivery.
Individuals sensitive to surfactants who experience dryness or redness.
People with normal to oily skin preferring lightweight cleansing products.
Users opting for completely natural or preservative-free formulations.

Safety Notes

  • Recognized as safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations by expert reviews.
  • Non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores or contribute to breakouts.

Frequently Asked Questions about PPG-17-Buteth-17

What does PPG-17-Buteth-17 do in products?

It emulsifies oils and water, solubilizes fragrances, and provides conditioning for better texture and scent stability.

Is PPG-17-Buteth-17 irritating to skin?

It has a low irritation profile suitable for most skin types in rinse-off and leave-on products.

Can it be used by acne-prone skin?

Yes, with a comedogenic rating of zero, it does not promote pore clogging.