Ppg-14 Palmeth-60 Hexyl Dicarbamate: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: July 1, 2025
Share:
Inside this article:

We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Ppg-14 Palmeth-60 Hexyl Dicarbamate?

Ppg-14 Palmeth-60 Hexyl Dicarbamate is a texture helper made from palm kernel oil that has been reacted with small building blocks called propylene oxide and ethylene oxide, then teamed up with a hexyl dicarbamate group. The result is a long, flexible molecule that can hold on to both oily and watery parts of a formula, making it a handy tool for keeping products at the right thickness.

Chemists first explored carbamate-based ingredients in the 1970s when the beauty industry began pushing for smoother creams and lotions that still felt light on the skin. Over the years, plant-based oils like palm kernel became popular feedstocks thanks to their steady supply and mild feel. By joining these natural fatty alcohols with modern propoxy and ethoxy steps, manufacturers created a reliable ingredient that firms up liquids without needing heavy waxes.

The production process starts with palm kernel fatty alcohols. These are treated with propylene oxide to add propoxy groups, then with ethylene oxide to add ethoxy groups. Finally they react with C6 dicarbamic acid to form the diester. Each step is done in closed reactors under controlled heat so the finished material is pure, odourless and easy to blend.

You will most often see Ppg-14 Palmeth-60 Hexyl Dicarbamate in face creams, light lotions, sheet and rinse-off masks, eye gels, primers, sunscreens and hair conditioners where a silky yet stable texture is important.

Ppg-14 Palmeth-60 Hexyl Dicarbamate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient focuses on one main job that can make a big difference to how a product looks and feels.

Viscosity controlling: It fine-tunes the thickness of a formula so creams stay creamy, gels stay smooth and sprays do not separate. By holding the oil and water parts together it keeps the product from becoming runny in warm weather or stiff in the cold which means a more reliable texture on the shelf and a pleasant glide on the skin or hair.

Who Can Use Ppg-14 Palmeth-60 Hexyl Dicarbamate

This texture helper is considered friendly for all skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive because it does not add extra oil or strip moisture. People with very reactive skin may still prefer a simpler formula if they know they are prone to sensitivities but the ingredient itself is not known to clog pores or cause stinging.

It is sourced from palm kernel oil so it is plant derived. No animal by-products or testing are needed for its production which makes it suitable for vegans and vegetarians who choose to avoid animal sourced ingredients.

Current safety data shows no reproductive toxicity so products containing it are generally viewed as safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. This is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should still clear any skincare choice with their doctor to be sure it fits their personal situation.

Ppg-14 Palmeth-60 Hexyl Dicarbamate does not increase sun sensitivity. It does not act like an exfoliating acid or retinoid so there is no extra need for special sun measures beyond your usual SPF habits.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to any cosmetic ingredient can differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects that have been documented or are theoretically possible though most users will not notice any issues when the ingredient is used at normal levels in well formulated products.

  • Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching in individuals with a known sensitivity to carbamates or surfactant-type compounds
  • Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes during application
  • Contact dermatitis in rare cases of allergy to palm derivatives or to the propoxy or ethoxy segments in the molecule
  • Scalp or hair dryness if used in very high concentrations in rinse off products

If any discomfort, persistent redness or swelling occurs discontinue use and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 out of 5

Ppg-14 Palmeth-60 Hexyl Dicarbamate earns a low score because its bulky, highly branched structure keeps it from sliding into pores and hardening the way heavier oils or waxes can. It is also used in small amounts strictly to adjust thickness rather than add an oily film. Most formulators combine it with lightweight emulsifiers, further lowering any clogging risk.

With this rating the ingredient is generally considered suitable for people who struggle with acne or frequent breakouts.

If a product pairs it with rich butters or comedogenic oils the final formula could still feel heavy, so always look at the full ingredient list when choosing skincare.

Summary

Ppg-14 Palmeth-60 Hexyl Dicarbamate is mainly a viscosity controller that keeps creams, gels and sprays at the ideal thickness by linking oil and water parts together. It does this thanks to its mixed oily and watery segments which let it sit between both phases and hold them in place without adding weight.

The ingredient is not a household name but it shows up in a steady stream of modern moisturizers, sunscreens and hair care where a silky glide is valued. Chemists like it because it is plant based, stable over a wide temperature range and efficient at low doses.

Current data marks it as low risk for irritation, sensitization and pore clogging so most users can feel comfortable trying products that contain it. As with any new cosmetic though, patch testing on a small area first is a smart habit to help catch any unexpected reaction.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search