What Is Peg/Ppg-5/35 Copolymer?
Peg/Ppg-5/35 Copolymer is a synthetic ingredient created by linking together two kinds of building blocks: polyethylene glycol (PEG) units and polypropylene glycol (PPG) units. The numbers 5 and 35 indicate the average ratio of each unit in the final chain, giving chemists control over the copolymer’s weight, texture and performance. The raw materials, ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, are reacted in a controlled environment with heat and pressure, using a starter molecule that helps the chain grow to the desired length. The result is a clear to slightly hazy liquid or soft solid that mixes readily with water and oils.
PEG and PPG chemistry has been around since the 1940s when manufacturers were looking for gentle yet effective surfactants for household and personal care products. Over time, formulators discovered that adjusting the balance of PEG and PPG units produced materials with tailored solubility, skin feel and cleaning power, leading to a family of copolymers now widely used in cosmetics.
Today you will find Peg/Ppg-5/35 Copolymer in facial cleansers, micellar waters, shampoo, shower gels, makeup removers, sheet masks and lightweight moisturizers. Its ability to lift away grime while keeping formulas stable makes it a workhorse in both rinse off and leave on products.
Peg/Ppg-5/35 Copolymer’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skincare and haircare formulas, Peg/Ppg-5/35 Copolymer serves more than one job, adding both performance and formulation perks.
- Cleansing agent: The copolymer lowers surface tension so water can break up oil, dirt and makeup. This leads to a thorough yet mild cleanse that rinses off without leaving a tight feeling on the skin.
- Solvent: It helps dissolve fragrance oils, active ingredients and other otherwise stubborn materials, keeping the product uniform and preventing separation while in the bottle and during use.
Who Can Use Peg/Ppg-5/35 Copolymer
This ingredient is generally considered suitable for all skin types. Its mild surfactant action cleanses without aggressively stripping natural oils, making it friendly for dry, normal and combination skin. Oily and acne-prone skin can benefit from its ability to dissolve excess sebum while rinsing clean. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well, though those with a history of fragrance or surfactant sensitivities should still monitor for any unusual redness or itching.
Peg/Ppg-5/35 Copolymer is synthetically produced from petroleum-derived raw materials and does not contain, or rely on, any animal ingredients at any stage of manufacture. This makes it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety data indicate no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically in cosmetic concentrations. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run any skincare product past a qualified healthcare provider to be on the safe side.
The copolymer is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it does not make skin more prone to sunburn. As with most cleansing agents it should be kept out of the eyes to avoid temporary stinging.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Peg/Ppg-5/35 Copolymer can vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues that are highly unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is properly formulated.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness, itching or a stinging sensation
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol compounds
- Eye irritation if product accidentally enters the eyes
- Dryness or a tight feeling if used in high concentrations or paired with other strong surfactants
- Rare acne-like breakouts in very sensitive or occlusion-prone skin
If you experience any of the above effects while using a product containing Peg/Ppg-5/35 Copolymer stop use and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Peg/Ppg-5/35 Copolymer is highly water soluble and does not leave a heavy oily film on the skin, so it has very little tendency to block pores. A score of 1 reflects the slim chance of clogging when the ingredient is used at the low to moderate levels found in cleansers and lightweight leave-on products. Most acne-prone users should find it agreeable, although exceptionally sensitive or occlusion-prone skin could still react if the overall formula is rich or layered under heavy creams.
Because the molecule rinses off cleanly it is unlikely to build up over time, which further lowers the risk of blackheads or whiteheads.
Summary
Peg/Ppg-5/35 Copolymer works mainly as a gentle cleanser and solvent. Its PEG units attract water while the PPG units befriend oils, letting the ingredient surround and lift away makeup, sunscreen and daily grime. At the same time it keeps otherwise tricky fragrance oils and actives evenly dispersed so the product stays smooth and stable from the first pump to the last.
You will come across this copolymer in plenty of face washes, micellar waters and hair products, though it is not as buzz-worthy as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. Formulators like it because it is dependable, easy to use and plays well with a broad range of ingredients.
Safety reviews and decades of use show it to be low risk for most people. Still, every skin is unique so it is smart to patch test any new product that lists Peg/Ppg-5/35 Copolymer among its ingredients just to be sure it suits you.