What Is Ppg-3-Myreth-11?
Ppg-3-Myreth-11 is a man-made ingredient that falls into the family of non-ionic surfactants. The technical name, Oxirane, methyl-, polymer with oxirane, monotetradecyl ether, simply points to how the molecule is built: a C14 fatty alcohol (tetradecyl) is linked to a short chain of propylene glycol units and about eleven ethylene oxide units. This blend of oil-loving and water-loving parts lets the ingredient mix oil and water with ease.
The idea of pairing fatty alcohols with propylene and ethylene oxide blocks took off in the 1950s when chemists were searching for milder alternatives to soap. Over time manufacturers fine-tuned the process so they could choose the chain lengths and end up with surfactants that are gentle yet effective. Today Ppg-3-Myreth-11 is produced in large reactors where the fatty alcohol is first cleaned, then reacted with controlled amounts of propylene oxide followed by ethylene oxide. Temperature, pressure and catalysts steer the reaction to hit the target average of three propylene glycol units and eleven ethylene oxide units. The finished liquid goes through filtration and quality checks before heading to cosmetic labs.
Because it is friendly to both water and oil, Ppg-3-Myreth-11 shows up in many rinse-off and leave-on products. You will often see it in face and body cleansers, micellar waters, shampoos, makeup removers, light lotions, sunscreens and even some sheet mask essences where a silky feel and stable mix of ingredients are needed.
Ppg-3-Myreth-11’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators lean on this ingredient for two main reasons that improve how a product works and feels:
- Cleansing – The surfactant head of the molecule grabs onto dirt, excess oil and makeup so they can be lifted away when you rinse. It is considered mild which helps reduce the tight or squeaky after-wash feel
- Emulsifying – By sitting at the boundary between oil and water phases it keeps creams, lotions and sunscreens from separating. This gives a smooth texture, stable shelf life and an even layer when applied to skin
Who Can Use Ppg-3-Myreth-11
Ppg-3-Myreth-11 is generally well tolerated by all skin types including dry, oily, combination and normal skin. Its mild surfactant nature means it cleans without stripping so even sensitive skin often does well with it. That said very reactive skin that flares up with any surfactant might still prefer products with fewer cleansing agents.
The ingredient is made in a lab from petrochemical sources and plant based fatty alcohols, not animal derived materials, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
No data indicate special risks for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Because every pregnancy is unique this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before adding new skincare products.
Ppg-3-Myreth-11 does not make skin more prone to sunburn so there is no known link to photosensitivity.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any cosmetic ingredient can differ from person to person. The following list covers potential side effects that could occur when Ppg-3-Myreth-11 is used on the skin. In well formulated products most people will not notice any of these issues.
- Mild skin irritation – a small number of users may feel stinging or see slight redness, especially if their skin barrier is already compromised
- Eye irritation – if a cleanser or shampoo containing the ingredient gets into the eyes it can cause temporary watering or discomfort
- Allergic contact dermatitis – rare sensitization may lead to an itchy rash in people with a specific allergy to the molecule or related surfactants
If irritation or any unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Ppg-3-Myreth-11 is a lightweight non-ionic surfactant that prefers to stay mixed in the water phase of a formula rather than forming greasy films on the skin. It rinses away easily and is usually used at low levels, so there is very little chance it will block pores or contribute to blackheads.
This rating means the ingredient is generally considered safe for acne-prone skin.
Because it is often found in rinse-off cleansers any brief contact time further lowers the clogging risk, especially compared to heavy oils or waxes.
Summary
Ppg-3-Myreth-11 is mainly a cleanser and emulsifier. The oil-loving tail grabs dirt and makeup while the water-loving propylene and ethylene oxide blocks let everything wash off cleanly. The same split personality lets it hold oil and water together so lotions and sunscreens stay smooth and stable.
It is not a headline star but formulators like it for its gentle feel so you will spot it in a fair number of face washes shampoos and light creams.
Safety data show it is low-irritation for most users though very sensitive skin can react to any surfactant. As with any new product a quick patch test is wise before full use.