What Is Ppg-12 Diglucosyl C14-18 Acidate?
Ppg-12 Diglucosyl C14-18 Acidate is a lab made ingredient created by linking a mid sized polypropylene glycol chain (the “PPG-12” part) with natural C14-C18 fatty acids and two glucose units. This blend gives the molecule both water loving and oil loving sides, which makes it act like a gentle soap and a glue that holds oil and water together. It was first explored in the 1990s when brands looked for milder cleansers that would not strip skin. To make it, chemists start with polypropylene glycol, attach fatty acids sourced from coconut or palm oil, then bond two glucose sugars through a controlled reaction called etherification. The finished ingredient is a clear to pale liquid that dissolves easily in water.
Because it is mild and multi purpose you will spot it in face and body washes, baby shampoos, micellar waters, makeup removing wipes, lightweight lotions, sprayable sunscreens and some leave on creams that need a little extra cleansing or texture help.
Ppg-12 Diglucosyl C14-18 Acidate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient brings two key actions to a formula
- Cleansing: Its balanced structure lifts away dirt, oil and makeup while keeping the skin surface calm and comfortable. It foams lightly so it feels fresh without the squeaky tight after-feel of harsher detergents.
- Emulsifying: Acts as a bridge between water and oil so creams stay smooth and stable and liquid cleansers stay clear. This reduces the need for heavy waxes which can weigh products down.
Who Can Use Ppg-12 Diglucosyl C14-18 Acidate
This mild cleansing emulsifier suits most skin types. Normal and combination skin usually enjoy its light foam while oily skin benefits from its ability to remove excess sebum without harshness. Dry or mature skin can use it because it helps keep formulas gentle and less stripping. Sensitive skin typically tolerates it well thanks to its sugar based backbone, though anyone with a known glucoside allergy should remain cautious.
The ingredient is synthesized from polypropylene glycol and plant sourced fatty acids so it is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly with no animal by products involved.
No data links Ppg-12 Diglucosyl C14-18 Acidate to hormonal activity or systemic absorption, so products containing it are generally viewed as safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone pregnant or nursing should discuss any skincare routine with a doctor to be certain.
Ppg-12 Diglucosyl C14-18 Acidate does not trigger photosensitivity and will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It can be used day or night and pairs well with sunscreen in daytime formulas.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Ppg-12 Diglucosyl C14-18 Acidate vary from person to person. The points below list potential effects but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild skin redness or tingling in very sensitive individuals
- Transient eye stinging if a cleanser containing it gets into the eyes
- Contact dermatitis in users allergic to glucoside based surfactants
- Dryness or tight feel when used at unusually high levels without adequate moisturizers
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Ppg-12 Diglucosyl C14-18 Acidate is highly water soluble and designed to rinse off cleanly so it leaves very little film that could block pores. Its fatty acid portion is balanced by a sizeable sugar and polyether segment which further lowers the chance of build-up. Because of this, it earns a low score of 1 and is generally considered suitable for skin prone to acne or breakouts.
No studies link the ingredient to increased sebum production or follicular plugging. In leave-on products the usage level is usually below 2 percent, keeping residue minimal and the comedogenic risk low.
Summary
Ppg-12 Diglucosyl C14-18 Acidate is a mild workhorse that cleanses by surrounding dirt and oil then lifting them away, and emulsifies by sitting at the interface of water and oil so formulas stay uniform. Its dual nature comes from a mix of water loving glucose units and oil loving C14-C18 fatty acids joined to a short polypropylene glycol chain.
While not a headline ingredient it appears in a steady stream of gentle face washes, baby shampoos, micellar waters and light creams where formulators want mild foam and stable texture without heavy waxes.
Current data shows it is low risk for irritation, non sensitising in most users and largely non comedogenic. As with any new skincare product it is wise to do a quick patch test on a small area first to confirm personal compatibility.