What Is Peg/Ppg-150/35 Copolymer?
Peg/Ppg-150/35 Copolymer is a man-made ingredient created by linking together two simple building blocks: ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. Chemists run 150 units of ethylene oxide and 35 units of propylene oxide through a controlled reaction so the two chains join in a repeating pattern, forming a block copolymer. The result is a wax-free, water-loving powder or thick liquid that blends well with both water and oil.
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypropylene glycol (PPG) blends have been used in shampoos and body washes since the 1970s for their gentle cleansing ability. Over time formulators discovered that changing the ratio of the two blocks let them fine-tune thickness, foaming and skin feel. The 150/35 version became popular because it thickens formulas without making them sticky and because it rinses away easily.
To make it, the two raw materials are fed into a reactor, heated and mixed with a small amount of catalyst. The reaction is stopped when the target chain length is reached, then the mixture is purified and dried. No animal products are involved and the finished copolymer is considered synthetic.
You will most often see Peg/Ppg-150/35 Copolymer in facial cleansers, micellar waters, body washes, makeup removers, peel-off masks, hydrating serums, lightweight lotions and occasional hair conditioners where a mild yet effective cleanser or thickener is needed.
Peg/Ppg-150/35 Copolymer’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skin and hair care formulas this ingredient plays more than one helpful role:
- Cleansing: The copolymer loosens dirt, oil and makeup so they can be rinsed away with water. Because its large size keeps it from diving deep into skin it cleans without stripping natural moisture, leaving a soft after-feel
- Solvent: It helps dissolve other ingredients that might otherwise clump or separate. This keeps the formula clear, stable and easy to spread
Who Can Use Peg/Ppg-150/35 Copolymer
This gentle cleanser is generally suitable for all skin types. Dry and normal skin benefit from its mild, non-stripping action while oily and combination skin appreciate that it rinses clean without a residue. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well because the large polymer stays on the surface rather than penetrating deeply. The only group that may need caution is anyone with a known allergy to polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polypropylene glycol (PPG) as cross-reactivity is possible.
Peg/Ppg-150/35 Copolymer is made entirely from synthetic raw materials so it contains no animal-derived components, making it suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.
No research points to risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when this ingredient is used topically in rinse-off or leave-on products. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run all skincare choices past a qualified healthcare provider just to be safe.
The copolymer does not absorb UV light or make skin more sensitive to the sun so it is not considered photosensitising. It is also fragrance free, gluten free and compatible with most other common skincare ingredients.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to Peg/Ppg-150/35 Copolymer differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects, though they are uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product and most people will not experience them.
- Mild skin irritation – redness or itching may appear on very reactive or damaged skin
- Contact allergy – rare cases of allergy to PEGs or PPGs can lead to rash or hives
- Eye stinging – high concentrations in cleansers may cause temporary discomfort if product gets into the eyes
- Increased uptake of other ingredients – as a solvent it can enhance the penetration of actives which could, in turn, boost their irritation potential
If any irritation, swelling or rash occurs stop using the product and consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Peg/Ppg-150/35 Copolymer is highly water soluble, has a very large molecular size and leaves little to no oily residue. These traits mean it rinses off easily and does not settle inside pores, so it is classified as non-comedogenic.
Because it scores a zero it is generally considered safe for skin that is prone to acne or breakouts.
Keep in mind that the overall formula matters; heavy oils, waxes or fragrances paired with this copolymer could still clog pores even if the copolymer itself does not.
Summary
Peg/Ppg-150/35 Copolymer serves mainly as a mild cleanser, a solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients and a texture enhancer that gives body washes, micellar waters and lightweight lotions a pleasing thickness without stickiness. It does this by using its water loving PEG segments to grab dirt while its PPG segments mix with oils, allowing everything to rinse away smoothly.
While not as famous as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, it shows up in a fair number of cleansers and makeup removers because formulators value its gentle nature and rinseability.
Current data points to a strong safety record with low risk of irritation, allergy or pore blockage. As with any new product, do a quick patch test when you first try something that contains it just to make sure your skin agrees.