PPG-4-Ceteth-20

What is PPG-4-Ceteth-20?

PPG-4-Ceteth-20 is a synthetic ingredient derived from cetyl alcohol, modified with polypropylene glycol units and ethoxylation to create a non-ionic surfactant. It belongs to the ceteth family of polyoxyethylene ethers, commonly used in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics like shampoos, body washes, lotions, and creams. In formulations, it works by lowering surface tension to facilitate the removal of dirt and oils during cleansing. As an emulsifier, it forms a protective film at the oil-water interface, preventing separation and ensuring smooth, uniform textures in emulsions. Its balanced hydrophilic-lipophilic properties make it effective in micellar waters and foaming cleansers, contributing to stable product performance without high irritation potential typical of some ionic surfactants.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1-3 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

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

Supports gentle cleansing by reducing surface tension to lift away impurities.

Helps create stable emulsions for even texture in creams and lotions.

Promotes mild foaming in washes without pore-clogging effects.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
People seeking non-comedogenic cleansers for daily use.
Those with known allergies to ethoxylated alcohols.
Individuals with normal to combination skin preferring stable moisturizers.
People preferring sulfate-free or fully natural ingredient products.
Users of shampoos and body washes wanting mild surfactants.
Individuals sensitive to synthetic emulsifiers in high concentrations.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by EWG with scores from 1 to 3.
  • Generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use by regulatory reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions about PPG-4-Ceteth-20

What does PPG-4-Ceteth-20 do in skincare?

It acts as a surfactant for cleansing and an emulsifier to blend oil and water phases stably.

Is PPG-4-Ceteth-20 comedogenic?

It has a comedogenic rating of 0, making it unlikely to clog pores.

How safe is PPG-4-Ceteth-20?

EWG rates it 1-3, indicating low concern for typical cosmetic use.