What it is
This ingredient is cetyl alcohol modified with about five propylene oxide units and twenty ethylene oxide units, producing a nonionic surfactant with both oil- and water-loving regions. It is commonly used to solubilize oils and fragrance into water-based systems and to help emulsify lotions and sprays. The propoxy portion improves compatibility with oils while the ethoxy portion provides water solubility.
Safety & warnings
Ethoxylated emulsifiers of this type are generally well tolerated nonionic surfactants and are not recognized fragrance allergens. As with all ethoxylated ingredients, manufacturers control for trace 1,4-dioxane, a process impurity, through purification.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic ingredient made by reacting cetyl alcohol with propylene oxide and ethylene oxide.
Questions everyone asks
What does PPG-5-Ceteth-20 do?
It is a nonionic surfactant that helps emulsify and solubilize oils, fragrance, and other ingredients into water-based formulas like sprays and lotions.
Is it the same as a cleansing detergent?
No. It is a mild nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer used to structure the product, not a foaming cleanser meant to wash the skin.