What Is Peg/Ppg-23/17 Copolymer?
Peg/Ppg-23/17 Copolymer is a synthetic blend of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypropylene glycol (PPG) units, with the numbers 23 and 17 indicating the average number of repeating oxyethylene and oxypropylene groups. It is created by reacting ethylene oxide and propylene oxide with a starter molecule in a controlled sequence, producing a clear tasteless liquid that is fully water soluble. This family of copolymers emerged in the 1970s when formulators searched for gentler alternatives to pure alcohols for dissolving fragrance oils and active ingredients. Over time it gained traction because it offers reliable solvency without a heavy or greasy feel. The material is manufactured in large reactors where temperature and pressure guide the step-growth polymerization, after which it is purified, tested for residual monomers, then shipped to cosmetic labs. You will spot Peg/Ppg-23/17 Copolymer in facial cleansers, micellar waters, makeup removers, moisturizers, sheet masks, lightweight hair conditioners and many sprayable sun care or after-sun products.
Peg/Ppg-23/17 Copolymer’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas Peg/Ppg-23/17 Copolymer serves a single yet important purpose.
Solvent: It dissolves oils, fragrances and certain active ingredients so they can disperse evenly in a water-based product. This prevents separation, improves texture and ensures each swipe or spritz delivers a consistent dose of the beneficial ingredients.
Who Can Use Peg/Ppg-23/17 Copolymer
This solvent is generally suitable for all skin types including oily, combination, normal and even sensitive skin because it is lightweight, water soluble and non-occlusive. Very dry skin may simply find it neither helping nor hurting hydration since it adds no moisturising film on its own.
Peg/Ppg-23/17 Copolymer is produced from petrochemical feedstocks and contains no animal-derived material so it fits vegan and vegetarian preferences.
Current safety assessments show no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used as intended in cosmetics. That said this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should show every skincare product to a healthcare professional just to be safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and has no known interactions with UV exposure.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to topical Peg/Ppg-23/17 Copolymer can vary. The points below outline possible yet uncommon reactions when the ingredient is used in a finished cosmetic that has been formulated correctly. Most people will not notice any of these issues.
- Mild transient irritation
- Redness or warmth in very sensitive skin
- Stinging if applied to broken or freshly exfoliated skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases
If any persistent discomfort or visible reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5
Peg/Ppg-23/17 Copolymer is fully water soluble and leaves no oily residue that could block pores, which is why it earns a solid zero on the comedogenic scale. Its molecules rinse away easily and do not form a film on the skin, so it is unlikely to trap sebum or debris that might trigger breakouts.
This makes the ingredient suitable for people who are prone to acne or congestion.
Only extremely heavy use in formulas packed with other occlusive agents might change the overall pore-clogging potential, but on its own the copolymer remains non-comedogenic.
Summary
Peg/Ppg-23/17 Copolymer is used as a solvent that dissolves oils, fragrances and actives so they stay evenly distributed in water-based skincare and haircare. Thanks to its mix of PEG and PPG units it can latch onto both water and oil loving ingredients, giving chemists an easy way to create clear lightweight products.
The copolymer enjoys steady though not superstar-level popularity; formulators reach for it when they need reliable solvency without greasiness but it competes with newer naturally sourced solvents that are currently in the spotlight.
Safety data show a very low risk of irritation or sensitisation at the levels found in cosmetics, making it a generally safe pick for most users. As with any new product it is wise to try a small patch first to ensure your skin agrees with the full formula.