PPG-2-Ceteth-20
AKA “Polypropylene Glycol 2 Ceteth 20”
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
PPG-2-Ceteth-20
AKA: Polypropylene Glycol 2 Ceteth 20
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
Oxirane, methyl-, polymer with oxirane, hexadecyl ether
Effective at 2.52%
CAS #
9087-53-0, 37311-01-6
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic surfactant and emulsifier developed mid-to-late 20th century. Widely used in cosmetics as a gentle cleansing and emulsifying agent with no traditional cosmetic history.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Irritant
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.05%
5.0%
0%7%
Effective Range
CIR reported use: 0.05-5
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR