PPG-8-Ceteth-20
AKA “Polypropylene Glycol Cetyl Ether, PPG-8-Ceteth-20”
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
PPG-8-Ceteth-20
AKA: Polypropylene Glycol Cetyl Ether
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 2
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
Oxirane, methyl-, polymer with oxirane, hexadecyl ether
Effective at 5.03%
CAS #
9087-53-0, 37311-01-6
See origin →
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a synthetic surfactant and emulsifier. Designed for use in cleansing products and emulsified creams to improve stability and spreadability.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Irritant
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.05%
10.0%
0%14%
Effective Range
CIR reported use: 0.05-10
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR