What it is
PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer is a copolymer combining about 17 units of polyethylene glycol (ethylene oxide) with about 6 units of polypropylene glycol (propylene oxide). The mix of more water-loving and more oil-loving segments gives it useful humectant, solvent, and mild surfactant behavior, along with effects on texture and viscosity. It is used in sunscreens and other water-based products to support feel, solubility, and stability.
Safety & warnings
Ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymers of this type are generally well tolerated in cosmetics and are non-comedogenic at typical use levels. As with other ethoxylated materials, the ethylene oxide portion should be sourced to control trace 1,4-dioxane. It is not a recognized fragrance allergen.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic. It is produced by copolymerizing ethylene oxide and propylene oxide in the indicated proportions.
Questions everyone asks
What is a PEG/PPG copolymer?
It is a polymer that combines polyethylene glycol (from ethylene oxide) and polypropylene glycol (from propylene oxide) segments in one molecule.
What do the numbers 17/6 mean?
They indicate the average number of ethylene oxide units (17) and propylene oxide units (6) in the copolymer.