What Is Ppg-4 C12-14 Sec-Alketh-5?
Ppg-4 C12-14 Sec-Alketh-5 is a synthetic ingredient created by linking small units of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide to a blend of secondary alcohols that come from mid-length (C12-C14) fatty chains. The numbers in the name hint at its makeup: an average of four propylene oxide units and five ethylene oxide units are attached to each alcohol molecule. The result is a water-loving, oil-friendly compound that helps two normally unmixable substances stay together.
Surfactant chemists first explored this kind of molecule in the 1960s when the beauty industry was looking for gentler alternatives to soap-based emulsifiers. As knowledge of ethoxylation and propoxylation advanced, versions like Ppg-4 C12-14 Sec-Alketh-5 found a place in creams and lotions that needed stable milky textures without a heavy or greasy feel.
Production starts with petroleum-derived or plant-based fatty alcohols that are chemically converted into secondary alcohols. These are then reacted in a controlled environment with measured amounts of propylene oxide followed by ethylene oxide. Rigorous purification removes unreacted materials to meet cosmetic-grade standards.
You will most often spot Ppg-4 C12-14 Sec-Alketh-5 in face and body moisturizers, sunscreens, rinse-off masks, lightweight serums and anti-aging lotions. Formulators like it because it works well at low levels, plays nicely with a broad pH range, and gives finished products a smooth, uniform consistency.
Ppg-4 C12-14 Sec-Alketh-5’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In personal care formulas this ingredient pulls its weight by keeping mixtures stable and pleasant to use.
- Emulsion stabilising – Helps water and oil phases stay blended over time so your cream does not split or separate on the shelf or on your skin
- Emulsifying – Lowers the surface tension between water and oil, making it easier for formulators to create a silky emulsion that spreads evenly and absorbs well
Who Can Use Ppg-4 C12-14 Sec-Alketh-5
This emulsifier is generally well tolerated by all skin types including dry, oily, combination and mature skin. Its lightweight nature means it is unlikely to feel heavy on oily skin while its moisture-friendly structure helps dry skin hold onto hydration. Most sensitive skin users do fine with it yet anyone prone to ingredient allergies should still pay attention to how their skin feels because a very small number of people can react to any surfactant.
PPG-4 C12-14 Sec-Alketh-5 is made from synthetic or plant-derived raw materials, not animal sources, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. As always cruelty-free status depends on the finished brand’s testing policies, not the ingredient itself.
The compound sits on the surface of the skin and is not expected to penetrate deeply or enter the bloodstream in meaningful amounts. Current safety reviews show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women but this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should confirm product choices with a qualified healthcare provider.
The ingredient does not absorb UV light and is not known to make skin more sensitive to the sun, so it is not considered photosensitising. It can be used morning or night without any special light-related precautions beyond the usual daily sunscreen habit.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to topical ingredients can vary. The effects listed below are possible yet uncommon and most users will not run into problems when the product is formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin irritation such as tingling or warmth right after application
- Temporary redness or blotchiness, especially on very sensitive skin
- Contact dermatitis in those with a specific allergy to ethoxylated or propoxylated ingredients
- Stinging if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If you experience any persistent or severe reaction stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. Ppg-4 C12-14 Sec-Alketh-5 is a lightweight, water-soluble emulsifier that tends to rinse away cleanly and does not form a thick occlusive film on the skin, so it has very little chance of blocking pores. All available research and formulator feedback point to a low residue profile which keeps the rating near the bottom of the scale.
Because of this low score the ingredient is generally considered suitable for people who struggle with acne or frequent breakouts.
One extra note: products that pair this emulsifier with heavier plant oils or waxes could still pose a clogging risk, so always judge the formula as a whole rather than the emulsifier alone.
Summary
PPG-4 C12-14 Sec-Alketh-5 serves mainly as an emulsifier and emulsion stabiliser, letting water-based and oil-based ingredients mingle smoothly. Its chain of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide units carries both water-loving and oil-loving ends which lowers surface tension, locks the phases together and keeps creams looking uniform from the first pump to the last.
You will find it in a fair number of everyday moisturisers, sunscreens and serums, though it is not a headline ingredient that brands shout about. Formulators appreciate its reliability at low use levels, but consumers rarely notice it because it works quietly in the background.
Current safety data rate it as low risk with minimal irritation potential for most users. Still, skin is personal, so give any new product a quick patch test to make sure it plays nicely with your unique complexion.