What Is Ppg-3-Myreth-3?
Ppg-3-Myreth-3 is a man-made ingredient that belongs to the nonionic surfactant family. Chemically it is created by linking small units of propylene glycol and ethylene oxide, then attaching a tetradecyl (14-carbon) fatty alcohol. This structure gives the molecule a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail, letting it sit comfortably between oil and water.
The compound first appeared in personal care labs in the late 1970s when formulators were searching for milder substitutes for traditional soaps. By tweaking the length of the propylene glycol and ethylene oxide chains scientists found they could dial in just the right balance of gentleness and cleaning power, which quickly made Ppg-3-Myreth-3 a favorite in modern rinse-off products.
Manufacturing begins with propylene oxide reacting with methanol to give a short polypropylene glycol chain. This chain is then extended with a controlled amount of ethylene oxide. Finally a tetradecyl alcohol is added to cap the molecule, producing a clear to pale yellow liquid that blends easily into water or oil phases during production.
You will most often spot Ppg-3-Myreth-3 in face and body cleansers, shampoos, baby washes, micellar waters, makeup removers, exfoliating scrubs, masks, lotions and shaving creams where gentle yet effective cleaning is needed.
Ppg-3-Myreth-3’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Here is what this multitasking ingredient brings to a formula:
- Cleansing – Lowers surface tension so water can lift away dirt, oil and makeup without stripping skin or hair
- Emulsifying – Helps water and oil stay evenly mixed which keeps creams, lotions and washes smooth stable and pleasant to use
Who Can Use Ppg-3-Myreth-3
Ppg-3-Myreth-3 is considered gentle enough for most skin types including normal, oily, combination and sensitive skin thanks to its mild nonionic structure that cleans without harsh stripping. Very dry or compromised skin can also generally tolerate it, although pairing the cleanser with a good moisturizer is wise since any surfactant can remove some lipids from the surface.
The ingredient is fully synthetic and contains no animal derived components so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Final confirmation still depends on the brand’s overall cruelty free policy.
Current safety data show no issues for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run their routine past a doctor just to be safe.
Ppg-3-Myreth-3 does not absorb UV light and it does not make skin more sensitive to the sun so no special sun precautions are required beyond normal daily SPF use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Ppg-3-Myreth-3 vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential reactions and most users will not experience any of them when the ingredient is formulated correctly.
- Mild skin irritation such as stinging or redness
- Dryness or tight feeling especially with very frequent washing
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with specific sensitivities
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If any uncomfortable reaction occurs discontinue use and seek guidance from a health professional or dermatologist
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Ppg-3-Myreth-3 is highly water soluble and typically used in rinse-off products, which means it does not linger on the skin long enough to block pores. Its molecular structure is lightweight compared with heavier oils or waxes that are known to cause breakouts. For those reasons it earns a low comedogenic score of 1.
Because the risk of clogged pores is minimal, this ingredient is generally considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.
One point to keep in mind is product format: if Ppg-3-Myreth-3 appears in a rich cream that also contains heavier emollients, the overall formula may feel more occlusive than a simple gel cleanser, so judge the full ingredient list rather than this surfactant alone.
Summary
Ppg-3-Myreth-3 serves two main jobs in cosmetics: it cleans by lowering surface tension so water can wash away dirt and oil, and it emulsifies by helping water and oil mix into a stable blend. Its split personality—one end loves water and the other loves oil—lets it float between both phases and do these tasks smoothly.
You will spot it most often in cleansers and micellar waters, though some brands slide it into lotions and masks for extra emulsifying support. It is not the flashiest ingredient on the market but formulators appreciate its reliability and mildness, so it enjoys steady if quiet popularity.
Current safety studies rate Ppg-3-Myreth-3 as low risk for irritation or toxicity in the concentrations used in cosmetics. Still, everyone’s skin has its own quirks, so patch testing a new product is a smart habit whenever you switch up your routine.