Ppg-3-Deceth-2 Carboxylic Acid: 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-3-Deceth-2 Carboxylic Acid?

Ppg-3-Deceth-2 Carboxylic Acid is a synthetic ingredient made by linking small units of propylene glycol and ethylene glycol to a fatty alcohol then adding a carboxylic acid group at one end. This structure lets it mix well with both water and oil. The material does not come from plants or animals but from controlled laboratory reactions that start with petrochemical or bio-based alcohols. First, propylene oxide and ethylene oxide are added in a set 3-to-1 ratio to a ten-carbon fatty alcohol. A final reaction turns the end of the chain into a mild acid, giving the molecule its cleansing power.

Chemists began using this type of molecule in the late 1980s when formulators wanted milder alternatives to traditional sulfates. Its balanced water-loving and oil-loving sections made it attractive for gentle face and body products. Today manufacturers produce it in large reactors where temperature, pressure and catalyst levels are carefully controlled to keep chain length consistent.

You will most often see Ppg-3-Deceth-2 Carboxylic Acid in liquid facial cleansers, micellar waters, shampoos, lightweight lotions, makeup removers and two-phase cleansing oils. It also appears in some baby washes and sensitive-skin formulas because of its mild character.

Ppg-3-Deceth-2 Carboxylic Acid’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient offers two key actions that help a wide range of beauty formulas perform better:

  • Cleansing: Its balanced structure surrounds dirt, oil and makeup so they can be rinsed away with water. This allows formulators to create gentle yet effective cleansers that leave skin feeling clean without tightness.
  • Emulsifying: It helps water and oil stay mixed, giving lotions and cleansing oils a stable, uniform texture. This keeps products from separating on the shelf and ensures every pump or squeeze delivers the same performance.

Who Can Use Ppg-3-Deceth-2 Carboxylic Acid

Because it is a mild cleansing and emulsifying agent, Ppg-3-Deceth-2 Carboxylic Acid suits most skin types including oily, combination, normal and sensitive skin. People with very dry or severely compromised skin may prefer formulas that pair it with richer moisturizers to avoid a tight feel, but the ingredient itself is not known to strip skin when used at standard levels.

It is fully synthetic and contains no animal derived substances, so it is appropriate for both vegetarians and vegans. Production does not rely on animal by-products, which also means the supply chain can be kept free of common allergens like milk, egg or beeswax.

Current safety data show no particular risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding because the molecule is large, sits on the surface and is washed off. Still, this is not medical advice. Anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review every skin care product with a qualified health professional before use.

Ppg-3-Deceth-2 Carboxylic Acid does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so there is no added risk of sunburn or pigmentation after using products that contain it. It is also considered safe for use in children’s cleansers when formulated to the same gentle standards.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Ppg-3-Deceth-2 Carboxylic Acid differ from person to person. The points below cover possible issues yet they are uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly by the manufacturer and applied as directed by the consumer.

  • Skin dryness – may occur if the product sits on the skin for a long time or if used in a very high concentration
  • Mild stinging or redness – more likely on broken or extremely sensitive skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis – rare but possible in people who are reactive to multiple surfactants
  • Eye irritation – can cause temporary tearing or burning if it gets directly into the eyes before rinsing

If any discomfort, itching or lasting redness develops stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 out of 5

Ppg-3-Deceth-2 Carboxylic Acid is a water-soluble surfactant with a relatively small molecular size that rinses off easily. It does not leave a greasy film on skin so it has a very low likelihood of blocking pores. For that reason it earns a near-non-comedogenic score of 1. Most people prone to acne can use products containing this ingredient without seeing a rise in breakouts. Only if the final formula adds heavy oils or waxes could the overall product become pore-clogging.

Summary

Ppg-3-Deceth-2 Carboxylic Acid works mainly as a cleanser and an emulsifier. Its balanced water-loving and oil-loving sections surround grime and makeup allowing them to wash away with water while also keeping oil and water mixed so lotions and cleansers stay smooth and uniform. Though not as famous as sulfates or newer sugar-based surfactants it has a steady place in gentle face washes micellar waters and two-phase makeup removers because it delivers reliable mild performance at a reasonable cost.

Existing safety data show it is well tolerated by most skin types including sensitive skin and there are no significant toxicity or photo-sensitivity concerns. As with any cosmetic ingredient it is smart to patch test a new product first to confirm personal compatibility.

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