What Is Disodium Ppg-2-Isodeceth-7 Carboxyamphodiacetate?
Disodium Ppg-2-Isodeceth-7 Carboxyamphodiacetate is a lab-made surfactant, which means it helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. Chemically, it starts with a branched isodecyl alcohol that is linked to small chains of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide. These chains give the ingredient its “Ppg-2-Isodeceth-7” part. The molecule is then reacted with amino acids and chloroacetic acid, and finally neutralized with sodium hydroxide to create a mild, water-soluble salt. The end result is an amphoteric compound, able to carry either a positive or negative charge depending on the pH of the formula, which adds to its gentleness on skin and hair.
Amphoteric surfactants like this one were first explored in the 1960s as companies searched for cleansers that would lather well without the sting often linked to older soaps. Over the years formulators noticed that adding small amounts of Disodium Ppg-2-Isodeceth-7 Carboxyamphodiacetate boosted foam, kept thick formulas pourable and reduced irritation, so it became a staple in many rinse-off products.
Today you will most often spot it on the ingredient list of shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, bubble baths, baby washes and makeup-removing wipes. It sometimes appears in specialty items such as scalp scrubs, clarifying masks and shaving creams where rich yet mild foam is a must.
Disodium Ppg-2-Isodeceth-7 Carboxyamphodiacetate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In a formula this ingredient earns its keep in several ways
- Cleansing: Lifts away oil, sweat and product build-up without stripping natural moisture, leaving skin and hair feeling clean yet comfortable
- Hair conditioning: Helps smooth the hair cuticle so strands feel softer, tangle less and carry a light, healthy shine once rinsed
- Foam boosting: Increases the volume and stability of lather so products feel richer and spread more easily, which can improve user experience and cleaning power
- Hydrotrope: Keeps other surfactants and oily additives evenly mixed in water-based products, preventing separation and allowing for clear, easy-to-pour formulas
Who Can Use Disodium Ppg-2-Isodeceth-7 Carboxyamphodiacetate
This gentle surfactant is generally well tolerated by all skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin. Because it is amphoteric and less stripping than many traditional cleansers it rarely upsets the skin’s natural barrier. People with severely compromised or broken skin should still approach any foaming product cautiously as even mild surfactants can sting or dehydrate when the barrier is not intact.
The ingredient is entirely synthetic so it contains no animal derived components, making it suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
No studies have flagged special concerns for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and topical absorption is minimal. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run their skincare products past a qualified doctor just to be safe.
Disodium Ppg-2-Isodeceth-7 Carboxyamphodiacetate does not cause photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also considered color safe for hair and does not fade dye any faster than water alone.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Disodium Ppg-2-Isodeceth-7 Carboxyamphodiacetate vary from person to person. The effects listed below are possible yet unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Mild skin irritation in the form of redness itching or a slight burning sensation
- Eye irritation if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes during use
- Dryness or tightness in people who cleanse very frequently or already have dehydrated skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases where an individual develops a specific sensitivity to the molecule
- Scalp flakiness when used in high concentration shampoos on already very dry scalps
If any negative reaction occurs discontinue use immediately and seek advice from a healthcare professional
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Disodium Ppg-2-Isodeceth-7 Carboxyamphodiacetate is completely water soluble and designed to rinse away without leaving a film that could clog pores. It contains no heavy oils or waxes, breaks down easily in water and is used at low levels in wash-off products, all of which keep its pore-blocking potential at virtually zero.
This makes the ingredient suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Because it is normally part of a blend of surfactants, any pore issues linked to a finished product are more likely caused by other components such as oils, silicones or fragrances rather than this molecule itself.
Summary
Disodium Ppg-2-Isodeceth-7 Carboxyamphodiacetate is a multitasking surfactant that cleanses, conditions hair, boosts foam and keeps water-based formulas stable. It achieves these roles by surrounding oil and dirt so they can be rinsed off, smoothing hair cuticles, increasing lather volume and acting as a hydrotrope that keeps ingredients evenly dispersed.
While it is not a headline-grabbing buzzword, it is a quiet workhorse found in many shampoos, body washes and facial cleansers because it offers mildness and reliable performance at a reasonable cost.
Current research and decades of safe use show a low risk of irritation or sensitization for most people. As with any new personal-care product it is wise to do a quick patch test first to make sure your skin plays well with the full formula.