What it is
PPG-8-Ceteth-20 is a nonionic surfactant made by reacting cetyl alcohol with propylene oxide and ethylene oxide. In sunscreens and skincare it functions as an emulsifier and solubilizer, helping to blend oil and water phases into a stable formula and to dissolve small amounts of oily or poorly soluble ingredients. It also aids in producing a uniform, pleasant texture.
Safety & warnings
Ethoxylated fatty alcohol surfactants of this kind are commonly used and generally well tolerated in leave-on and rinse-off products. PPG-8-Ceteth-20 is not a recognized fragrance allergen; at the levels used in finished products it is not typically associated with comedogenicity.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic; produced by alkoxylation (propoxylation and ethoxylation) of cetyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol.
Questions everyone asks
What is PPG-8-Ceteth-20 used for?
It is a nonionic surfactant used as an emulsifier and solubilizer, helping to combine oil and water and to dissolve oily ingredients into a stable, even formula.
Where does PPG-8-Ceteth-20 come from?
It is synthetic, made by reacting cetyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol) with propylene oxide and ethylene oxide.