What Is Peg-47 Poly(1,2-Butanediol)-66 Propylene Glycol?
Peg-47 Poly(1,2-Butanediol)-66 Propylene Glycol is a synthetic block copolymer created by first attaching 66 units of 1,2-butylene oxide to a propylene glycol core, then adding 47 units of ethylene oxide. This chain-like structure gives it a balance of oil-loving and water-loving sections, which makes it useful in many personal care products. The ingredient emerged in the late twentieth century when formulators sought versatile polymers that could fine-tune texture without leaving a heavy feel. Production starts with pharmaceutical-grade propylene glycol. Through controlled polymerization, butylene oxide is added, followed by ethylene oxide. The resulting material is purified, tested for consistency, and supplied as a liquid or soft paste.
You will most often spot Peg-47 Poly(1,2-Butanediol)-66 Propylene Glycol in moisturizers, lightweight lotions, hydrating serums, sheet mask essences, rinse-off cleansers, creamy sunscreens, and hair conditioners where a smooth spread and stable viscosity are essential.
Peg-47 Poly(1,2-Butanediol)-66 Propylene Glycol’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is valued mainly for one key job in formulas.
As a viscosity-controlling agent it helps set a product’s thickness so it feels pleasant and spreads evenly. By adjusting flow it prevents a watery serum from feeling drippy and stops a rich cream from being stiff, delivering a consistently silky glide every time you apply the product.
Who Can Use Peg-47 Poly(1,2-Butanediol)-66 Propylene Glycol
This polymer is gentle enough for most skin types. Its lightweight feel suits normal, oily, combination and even sensitive skin because it does not clog pores or leave a greasy film. Very dry skin may still need richer emollients on top since the ingredient itself is not a heavy moisturizer, but it poses no special concern for that group either.
Peg-47 Poly(1,2-Butanediol)-66 Propylene Glycol is made from synthetic starting materials with no animal-derived components so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety data show no specific risks for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics at the low percentages typical for texture control. This is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should still check with a healthcare professional before adding new products, just to be safe.
The ingredient does not absorb UV light and does not make skin more sensitive to the sun. It is also fragrance-free and color-free so it rarely interferes with other actives in a routine.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Peg-47 Poly(1,2-Butanediol)-66 Propylene Glycol can vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects only and most users will never notice any of them when the ingredient has been formulated correctly.
Temporary redness or mild irritation
Stinging on very compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases of sensitivity to polyethers
If you experience any discomfort stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5 (non-comedogenic)
This polymer is highly water soluble, has a large molecular size and does not form an occlusive film on skin, so it is very unlikely to trap oil or debris inside pores. Formulas that use it typically contain it at low levels purely to fine-tune texture, which further minimizes any pore-clogging risk.
Suitable for acne-prone and breakout-prone skin.
Because it is often paired with lightweight humectants and not with heavy oils, the finished products that feature this ingredient also tend to be friendly to those managing congestion.
Summary
Peg-47 Poly(1,2-Butanediol)-66 Propylene Glycol is mainly a viscosity controller that makes lotions, creams, cleansers and serums flow smoothly and feel elegant. Its block structure blends oil-loving and water-loving segments so it can sit between the watery and oily portions of a formula, giving stable thickness without greasiness.
While not the most talked-about polymer on ingredient lists, it shows up consistently in modern lightweight moisturizers and hybrid sunscreens where a silky, non-sticky finish is desired. It is considered low risk, with irritation or allergy reported only rarely, and no data link it to hormonal or systemic issues.
Overall safety profiles are strong, yet skin is personal, so it is smart to patch test any new product that contains this ingredient before full-face use.