What Is Ppg-4 C12-14 Sec-Pareth-5?
Ppg-4 C12-14 Sec-Pareth-5 is a synthetic ingredient created by reacting a blend of medium-chain C12-C14 secondary alcohols with propylene oxide and then ethylene oxide. The numbers in its name tell you the average number of propylene oxide units (4) and ethylene oxide units (5) attached to each alcohol molecule. The resulting substance is a clear to pale-yellow liquid that mixes easily with water and oils, making it useful in many personal care formulas.
Alcohol ethoxylates like this one began showing up in cosmetics in the late 1960s when formulators looked for milder alternatives to the harsh detergents used at the time. By tweaking the ratio of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide chemists could fine-tune how well the ingredient dissolved in water or oils, allowing it to serve multiple roles in modern products.
The production process starts with petroleum-derived or plant-based fatty alcohols that are first converted to secondary alcohols. These alcohols are then sequentially treated with propylene oxide and ethylene oxide in a controlled reactor. The reaction is stopped once the target average of four propylene oxide and five ethylene oxide units is reached. Quality checks follow to confirm purity and absence of unwanted residues before the ingredient is shipped to cosmetic manufacturers.
You will most often find Ppg-4 C12-14 Sec-Pareth-5 in face and body cleansers, shampoos, bubble baths, makeup removers, wet wipes, lightweight lotions and some emulsified serums where a gentle yet effective cleansing or blending agent is needed.
Ppg-4 C12-14 Sec-Pareth-5’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking ingredient improves both the performance and feel of many everyday beauty products.
- Cleansing: Acts as a mild surfactant that lifts away dirt, oil and makeup while creating a soft foam. Its balanced structure helps reduce the squeaky or tight after-feel often linked to stronger detergents
- Emulsifying: Bridges water and oil phases so creams or lotions stay smooth and stable over time. This role prevents separation which means a consistent texture and even delivery of active ingredients every time you apply the product
Who Can Use Ppg-4 C12-14 Sec-Pareth-5
This ingredient is generally well tolerated by most skin types including oily, combination, normal and even sensitive skin thanks to its mild cleansing profile. Very dry or compromised skin might find it a bit stripping if used in high-foaming formulas so a richer cleanser or added moisturizers in the routine can help offset that effect.
Because Ppg-4 C12-14 Sec-Pareth-5 is fully synthetic and contains no animal-derived materials it is considered suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. Always check the finished product as other ingredients in the same formula may not meet those lifestyle requirements.
Current safety assessments have not flagged any pregnancy or lactation specific risks when the ingredient is used in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should run any skincare product past a qualified healthcare professional just to be safe.
The ingredient does not sensitize skin to sunlight so it will not increase the risk of sunburn. It is also fragrance-free and non-volatile which means it will not contribute to photosensitive reactions or inhalation concerns during normal use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Ppg-4 C12-14 Sec-Pareth-5 vary from person to person. The points below cover potential side effects but they remain uncommon when the ingredient is used at appropriate concentrations in properly formulated products.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching, usually transient and concentration dependent
- Dryness or tightness if used in high-foaming cleansers on already dehydrated skin
- Eye stinging when the product is rinsed off inadequately or used near the lash line
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with pre-existing sensitivity to alcohol ethoxylates
- Increased penetration of other actives through a compromised skin barrier which could amplify their irritancy
If any discomfort or visible reaction occurs discontinue use immediately and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Ppg-4 C12-14 Sec-Pareth-5 is a lightweight, water-soluble surfactant that rinses away easily and does not leave a heavy film on skin. Its molecular size is moderate and it lacks the long fatty chains that usually clog pores, which is why it sits at the lower end of the comedogenic scale.
Because of this low rating it is generally considered suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, especially in rinse-off products like cleansers and shampoos.
Worth noting: finished formulas that pair this ingredient with heavy oils or waxes may have a different pore-clogging potential, so always judge the full product rather than a single component.
Summary
Ppg-4 C12-14 Sec-Pareth-5 acts mainly as a mild cleanser and an emulsifier. As a surfactant it surrounds dirt and oil so they can be lifted away with water leaving skin or hair feeling fresh but not stripped. As an emulsifier its balanced mix of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide groups lets it sit at the interface of oil and water phases keeping lotions, creams and serums smooth and stable.
The ingredient is moderately popular in everyday personal care such as face washes, liquid hand soaps and baby wipes. It is less common in high-end skincare where brands often highlight plant-derived alternatives, but formulators still rely on it for cost-effective mild cleansing.
Current safety data shows a low risk of irritation or sensitization at typical use levels so the ingredient is viewed as safe for most people. Still, skin can be unpredictable so it is wise to patch test any new product that includes Ppg-4 C12-14 Sec-Pareth-5 before full use.