What Is Ppg-13-Decyltetradeceth-24?
Ppg-13-Decyltetradeceth-24 is a synthetic ingredient made by linking two kinds of building blocks, propylene glycol (PPG) and ethylene glycol (PEG), to a fatty alcohol that comes from plant or coconut oil. The numbers 13 and 24 show how many repeating units of each block are attached, giving the molecule a long water-loving tail and an oil-loving head. That split personality lets it mix oil and water with ease.
Chemists began experimenting with these blocky molecules in the late 1960s while searching for gentler ways to wash skin and hair. By the 1980s the beauty industry had embraced them as safer replacements for harsher detergents. Today factories make Ppg-13-Decyltetradeceth-24 through a controlled reaction that adds propylene oxide then ethylene oxide to the fatty alcohol under heat and pressure. The final liquid is purified, checked for safety and shipped to cosmetic labs around the world.
You will most often spot this ingredient in face washes, micellar waters, makeup removers, shampoos, body washes, lotions and lightweight serums where a smooth non-greasy feel is key. It also pops up in sheet mask essences and after-sun gels that need a clear texture.
Ppg-13-Decyltetradeceth-24’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators pick Ppg-13-Decyltetradeceth-24 for two main reasons that make products work and feel better on the skin.
- Cleansing: Its balanced oil-and-water structure lifts away dirt, excess oil and makeup without stripping the skin’s natural barrier which helps leave skin feeling fresh not tight.
- Emulsifying: It keeps water and oil ingredients blended into a stable, smooth mixture so creams do not split and gels stay clear. This stability improves shelf life and gives users a consistent texture from the first pump to the last.
Who Can Use Ppg-13-Decyltetradeceth-24
This ingredient is gentle enough for most skin types. Its lightweight cleansing power suits oily, combination and normal skin while its low irritation profile makes it acceptable for many sensitive users. Very dry or eczema-prone skin may prefer richer cleansers because frequent exposure to any surfactant can compound dryness.
Ppg-13-Decyltetradeceth-24 is made from plant-derived fatty alcohol and laboratory-sourced glycol units with no animal by-products, so it is considered suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. As always, check the full product label for any additional animal-derived additives.
No pregnancy-specific risks have been linked to topical use of this ingredient. Current data show it does not penetrate deeply or act hormonally, so products containing it are generally viewed as safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should clear all skincare choices with a qualified health professional first.
The molecule does not absorb UV light or make skin more vulnerable to sun damage, so it is not regarded as photosensitising. It also plays nicely with other common cosmetic actives, making it a flexible option in multi-step routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Ppg-13-Decyltetradeceth-24 differ from person to person. The effects listed below are possible yet uncommon. When the ingredient is used at the concentrations typically found in finished cosmetics most people experience no problems.
- Mild skin irritation
- Transient redness or warmth after application
- Dryness or tightness if over-cleansing
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to polyether compounds
- Stinging or watering if it migrates into the eyes
If any of these effects occur stop use immediately and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Ppg-13-Decyltetradeceth-24 is highly water soluble and does not leave an occlusive film on the skin, so it has little tendency to clog pores. Its primary job is to lift away oils rather than sit on the surface, which keeps the risk of comedone formation low. In most finished formulas it appears at modest levels that rinse or rub away easily, further reducing pore-blocking potential.
Because of this low rating it is generally considered suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
One caveat: if a product containing this ingredient is combined with heavy oils or waxes, the overall formula could still be comedogenic. Always look at the full ingredient list when evaluating a product.
Summary
Ppg-13-Decyltetradeceth-24 is a dual-action cleansing and emulsifying agent. Its mixed propylene glycol, ethylene glycol and fatty alcohol structure lets one end grab oil while the other bonds with water. This makes it effective at dissolving grime and keeping oil-and-water blends stable so lotions stay creamy and gels stay clear.
It is a workhorse rather than a headline ingredient, showing up quietly in face washes, micellar waters and lightweight creams. While not a household name it is valued by formulators who want gentle cleansing without a greasy feel.
Current research and decades of use suggest it is safe for topical application with only rare reports of mild irritation. As with any new product, patch testing on a small area for a couple of days is a smart way to confirm personal tolerance.