PPG-5-Ceteth-20

Benefits
Hair ConditioningSoftening

What is PPG-5-Ceteth-20?

PPG-5-Ceteth-20 is a non-ionic surfactant produced by adding chains of propylene oxide (five units) and ethylene oxide (twenty units) to cetyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol from plant or animal sources or made synthetically. This modification creates a molecule with a lipophilic cetyl tail and hydrophilic polyether head, ideal for bridging oil and water. In cosmetics, it belongs to the alkyl polyether category and appears in hair care like shampoos and conditioners, plus skin products such as lotions and washes. It functions by lowering surface tension to promote emulsification, stabilize mixtures, support foam formation, and aid even ingredient dispersion, resulting in creamy textures and effective cleansing without harshness.

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 hair conditioning for improved manageability

Promotes softening of skin and hair surfaces

Facilitates gentle cleansing and emulsification in formulas

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 daily shampoos and body washes for stable lather
Those sensitive to ethoxylated ingredients
Individuals with normal to dry hair seeking conditioning effects
Users preferring formulations without polyether surfactants
People incorporating emulsified moisturizers and creams
Individuals avoiding synthetic emulsifiers entirely

Safety Notes

  • Considered low hazard overall in cosmetic applications
  • Non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores

Frequently Asked Questions about PPG-5-Ceteth-20

What does PPG-5-Ceteth-20 do in products?

It acts as a surfactant and emulsifier to mix oils and water, aiding cleansing, foaming, and stable textures in shampoos and lotions.

Is PPG-5-Ceteth-20 comedogenic?

It has a comedogenic rating of 0, meaning it does not promote pore clogging.

Safe for sensitive skin?

Generally low irritation risk, but patch test if prone to reactions to surfactants.