What Is Ppg-3 C12-14 Sec-Alketh-7?
PPG-3 C12-14 Sec-Alketh-7 is a man-made ingredient that starts with a blend of synthetic C12-C14 secondary alcohols. These alcohols are reacted with small chains of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide to attach three propoxy groups and seven ethoxy groups. The result is a clear to pale yellow liquid that mixes easily with both oil and water.
The idea behind this chemistry dates back to the mid-20th century when chemists looked for gentler and more versatile alternatives to traditional soaps. Adding propoxy and ethoxy groups turned simple alcohols into effective surfactants that could keep water and oil together. Over time, formulators noticed that PPG-3 C12-14 Sec-Alketh-7 offered reliable performance and a mild skin feel, so it earned a place in modern personal care lines.
Production starts with petroleum-derived or plant-based feedstocks that are converted into the desired C12-C14 alcohols. These alcohols pass through controlled reactions with propylene oxide, then ethylene oxide, under strict temperature and pressure. Purification steps remove unreacted materials and stabilize the final product for safe use in cosmetics.
You will most often spot PPG-3 C12-14 Sec-Alketh-7 in lotions, creams, leave-on conditioners, facial masks, make-up removers, sunscreens and lightweight serums where a smooth, non-greasy texture is important.
Ppg-3 C12-14 Sec-Alketh-7’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In a formula this ingredient pulls double duty, helping the product stay smooth and stable while improving how it feels on the skin.
- Emulsion stabilising: Keeps water and oil phases from separating over time so the product maintains an even texture throughout its shelf life
- Emulsifying: Allows water-based and oil-based ingredients to blend in the first place reducing the need for heavy waxes and giving the finished product a lighter skin feel
Who Can Use Ppg-3 C12-14 Sec-Alketh-7
Ppg-3 C12-14 Sec-Alketh-7 is considered suitable for most skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily skin because it has a lightweight feel and a low risk of pore clogging. Individuals with highly reactive or compromised skin can often tolerate it although very sensitive users should still observe how their skin responds since any surfactant has the potential to irritate if used in excess.
The ingredient is synthetic and contains no animal derived components so it is generally acceptable for vegans and vegetarians. Manufacturers typically source the raw alcohols from petroleum or plant feedstocks and no animal by-products are involved in the standard production process.
Current safety assessments find no specific hazards for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used at the low levels seen in cosmetics. Absorption through intact skin is minimal. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past a qualified health professional just to be on the safe side.
Ppg-3 C12-14 Sec-Alketh-7 does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so there is no added risk of photosensitivity. It is also fragrance free and gluten free which may be relevant for certain users.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to topical Ppg-3 C12-14 Sec-Alketh-7 vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues only. When the ingredient is properly formulated most users experience none of these effects.
- Mild skin irritation such as stinging or burning especially on compromised skin
- Redness or transient flushing if the product is left on for prolonged periods
- Dryness or tightness if used in high concentrations or combined with other surfactants
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases where an individual is sensitised to the molecule
- Eye irritation and watering if the ingredient accidentally gets into the eyes
- Enhanced penetration of other actives which could amplify their own side effects
If any negative reaction occurs discontinue use immediately and seek advice from a medical professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. Ppg-3 C12-14 Sec-Alketh-7 is a lightweight liquid that sits mostly on the surface and rinses away, so it has little tendency to mix with skin sebum and block pores. It lacks heavy fatty acids or waxy esters that usually trigger breakouts. While any surfactant can disrupt the skin barrier if overused, the small amounts typically found in finished formulas keep the clogging risk low.
Overall the ingredient is considered suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Worth noting: formulas that pair this emulsifier with rich plant oils or butters may inherit the comedogenic traits of those oils, not of Ppg-3 C12-14 Sec-Alketh-7 itself.
Summary
PPG-3 C12-14 Sec-Alketh-7 mainly works as an emulsifier and emulsion stabilizer, letting water and oil mingle and then holding that blend together. Its chain of propoxy and ethoxy groups has both water-loving and oil-loving ends, so it positions itself at the boundary between the two phases and lowers surface tension, giving creams and lotions a smooth, non-greasy touch.
While not the most talked-about ingredient on beauty blogs it is a quiet workhorse in many mainstream moisturizers, sunscreens and hair conditioners because it offers reliable performance at low cost.
Current data show it is safe at the small percentages used in cosmetics with only rare reports of irritation. As with any new skincare product a quick patch test is still smart to make sure your individual skin likes the formula.