What Is Ppg-2-Deceth-60?
Ppg-2-Deceth-60 is the cosmetic name for polyoxypropylene(2) polyoxyethylene(60) decyl ether, a nonionic surfactant made by attaching two propylene oxide units and sixty ethylene oxide units to a ten-carbon fatty alcohol known as decyl alcohol. The fatty alcohol can be sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil or produced synthetically, while the propylene and ethylene oxide segments come from petroleum-derived feedstocks. Through a controlled alkoxylation process chemists build the chain in a step-by-step fashion, ending with a molecule that loves both oil and water.
Nonionic surfactants like this one gained popularity in the 1960s when formulators wanted alternatives to harsher soap-based cleansers. Its balanced structure offers strong cleansing with low irritation, so it soon found a place in skincare and haircare labs around the world.
Today you will spot Ppg-2-Deceth-60 in facial cleansers, micellar waters, shower gels, shampoos, makeup removers, lotions, creams, lightweight moisturizers and rinse-off masks where it helps keep formulas stable and washes impurities away.
Ppg-2-Deceth-60’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient earns its spot on an ingredient list by doing more than one job.
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature lets it grab on to dirt, oil and product buildup so they can be rinsed off easily, leaving skin or hair feeling fresh without a tight after-feel
- Emulsifying: It helps oil and water mix smoothly, preventing separation over a product’s shelf life which means creams stay creamy and gels stay uniform for reliable performance every time you use them
Who Can Use Ppg-2-Deceth-60
Ppg-2-Deceth-60 is considered gentle enough for most skin types, including oily, combination, normal and dry skin. Its mild, nonionic nature also makes it a common choice for people with sensitive skin, although anyone with a known sensitivity to ethoxylated surfactants may prefer to avoid it.
The fatty alcohol portion is usually sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil and no animal-derived materials are required during manufacture, so products using this ingredient are generally suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If strict cruelty-free or sustainable palm sourcing is important to you, check the brand’s sourcing statement.
Current safety data indicate no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding because the molecule stays mainly on the surface of skin and is used at low levels, particularly in rinse-off formulas. This is not medical advice; pregnant or nursing individuals should review any skincare routine with a healthcare professional to be on the safe side.
Ppg-2-Deceth-60 is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. No other special usage considerations are typically needed beyond standard cosmetic hygiene and storage.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Ppg-2-Deceth-60 vary from person to person. The issues listed below are potential effects and are unlikely for the average user when the ingredient has been properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin irritation in individuals with very sensitive or compromised skin
- Contact dermatitis in rare cases of allergy to ethoxylated compounds
- Eye stinging or redness if the product accidentally enters the eyes before rinsing
- Temporary dryness or tightness when used in high-foaming cleansers on already dry skin
If any uncomfortable reaction occurs discontinue use and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Ppg-2-Deceth-60 is highly water soluble and rinses away without leaving a heavy residue, so it is unlikely to clog pores. It lacks the thick oily backbone common to more comedogenic ingredients, and it is typically used at low concentrations, especially in rinse-off formulas.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most cases.
No studies point to it worsening blackheads or contributing to fungal acne, so its low rating is generally accepted across cosmetic safety databases.
Summary
Ppg-2-Deceth-60 is a multitasking nonionic surfactant that cleanses by surrounding dirt and oil so they lift off skin or hair, and it emulsifies by keeping water and oil droplets evenly mixed. This dual action helps cleansers foam properly, keeps creams from separating and maintains product texture over time.
While not a headline-grabbing ingredient, it is a quiet workhorse found in many mainstream cleansers, micellar waters and light lotions thanks to its balance of efficacy and mildness.
Current research shows it is low risk for irritation or pore blockage when used within normal cosmetic levels, yet as with any new product it is smart to do a small patch test to confirm personal tolerance.