What Is Ppg-2 C12-13 Alketh-8?
PPG-2 C12-13 Alketh-8 is a man-made ingredient created by attaching two units of propylene oxide and eight units of ethylene oxide to a blend of C12-C13 fatty alcohols. The fatty alcohols normally come from coconut or palm kernel oil while the propylene and ethylene oxide units are produced from petroleum-based feedstocks. The result is a nonionic surfactant that mixes easily with both oil and water.
Nonionic emulsifiers like this one became popular in the 1970s when formulators looked for milder alternatives to traditional soaps. Over time the ingredient was listed under several names; the current INCI name replaced the older “Pareth” term to make labeling clearer across different regions.
Manufacturing involves reacting the fatty alcohol blend with ethylene oxide first, then propylene oxide, under heat and alkaline conditions. Careful control of temperature and pressure lets chemists hit the target of eight EO units and two PO units per molecule. Finally the mixture is purified to remove excess reagents and stabilize the product.
You will usually spot PPG-2 C12-13 Alketh-8 in oil-in-water creams, lightweight lotions, facial serums, sheet masks, makeup removers, sunscreens, hair conditioners and styling creams where a smooth, uniform texture is key.
Ppg-2 C12-13 Alketh-8’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves one core purpose in personal care formulas: it is an emulsifier. By sitting at the boundary between oil and water it pulls two otherwise separate phases together into a stable blend. That stability keeps a cream from separating on the shelf, gives lotions a silky glide, helps actives disperse evenly across the skin or hair and improves overall shelf life.
Who Can Use Ppg-2 C12-13 Alketh-8
Because this emulsifier sits mostly on the surface of skin and hair and has no known actives that penetrate deeply, it is considered gentle enough for all skin types including oily, dry, combination and mature skin. Sensitive or compromised skin usually tolerates it well too since the molecule is nonionic and therefore less likely to disturb the natural acid mantle. The only group that might need extra caution is those with a history of contact allergies to polyethylene or polypropylene glycols, although such reactions are very rare.
The ingredient is typically derived from plant based fatty alcohols and petrochemical ethylene and propylene oxide, none of which come from animal sources or involve animal byproducts. Formulations using it can therefore be suitable for both vegans and vegetarians unless other animal derived ingredients are present in the same product.
No data points to any specific risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when this ingredient is used topically at cosmetic concentrations. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past a qualified healthcare provider to be on the safe side.
PPG-2 C12-13 Alketh-8 is not known to cause photosensitivity and does not interact with UV light, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also fragrance free and uncolored which minimizes additional irritant triggers.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to topical ingredients vary. The following outlines potential side effects of PPG-2 C12-13 Alketh-8, though most users will not encounter them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or stinging
- Contact dermatitis in people already sensitized to glycols
- Eye irritation if a high concentration gets into the eyes
- Very rare allergic reaction leading to itching or swelling
If any adverse reaction occurs discontinue use immediately and seek advice from a healthcare professional
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 (very low)
PPG-2 C12-13 Alketh-8 is an ethoxylated fatty alcohol that stays mostly on the surface and rinses clean, so it rarely clogs pores. The small amount typically used in formulas, plus its water-dispersible nature, keeps residue minimal. It is therefore generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin. The overall comedogenic risk depends on the full formula because richer oils or waxes paired with it can shift the final product’s pore-clogging potential.
Summary
PPG-2 C12-13 Alketh-8 is a nonionic emulsifier that pulls oil and water together, stabilises creams and lotions and helps active ingredients spread evenly across skin or hair. It is a quiet workhorse found in moisturisers, sunscreens, hair conditioners and makeup removers, though it is not a headline ingredient that brands showcase in marketing.
At typical cosmetic levels it has a strong safety record, is non-sensitising for most users and carries a very low comedogenic rating. While adverse reactions are uncommon, everyone’s skin is unique so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains this emulsifier.