What Is Ppg-4 C13-15 Alketh-15?
PPG-4 C13-15 Alketh-15 is a man-made ingredient created by joining small units of propylene glycol and ethylene glycol to a synthetic alcohol chain that has 13 to 15 carbon atoms. The result is a clear to slightly hazy liquid that mixes well with both oil and water. First introduced in the late twentieth century when chemists were looking for reliable, skin-friendly emulsifiers, it soon found a home in personal care labs because it offered stable performance at a reasonable cost.
The manufacturing process involves reacting the synthetic alcohol blend with propylene oxide to add an average of four propylene glycol units, then with ethylene oxide to add about fifteen ethylene glycol units. This step-wise reaction lets chemists fine-tune the balance between oil-loving and water-loving parts of the molecule, which is key to its role in cosmetics.
You will most often spot PPG-4 C13-15 Alketh-15 in products that need a smooth, uniform texture such as lotions, creams, face masks, sunscreens, makeup removers and hair conditioners. It also appears in some anti-aging serums and specialty treatments where a stable mix of oil and water phases is important for both feel and shelf life.
Ppg-4 C13-15 Alketh-15’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is prized for one main job in beauty formulas.
As an emulsifying agent it keeps the oily and watery parts of a product from separating, giving the finished formula a consistent look and feel. This stability means your lotion pumps out smoothly, your sunscreen spreads evenly and your hair conditioner rinses clean without leaving greasy spots. A reliable emulsion also helps active ingredients stay evenly dispersed so every application delivers the same level of performance.
Who Can Use Ppg-4 C13-15 Alketh-15
Ppg-4 C13-15 Alketh-15 is generally well tolerated by most skin types including normal, dry, oily and combination skin because it is used at low levels and is designed mainly to keep formulas stable rather than treat the skin directly. Sensitive skin can usually handle it too, although people who react easily to synthetic ingredients might prefer to check the whole formula for other triggers.
The ingredient is synthetic and contains no animal derived raw materials so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. Its production does not rely on by-products of animal farming or testing, making it compatible with cruelty-free standards when used by brands that follow those policies.
Available safety data shows no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used topically in standard cosmetic concentrations. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should review all personal care products with a qualified healthcare provider to be extra sure.
Ppg-4 C13-15 Alketh-15 is not known to cause photosensitivity nor does it make skin more prone to sunburn. Still, daily sunscreen is always a smart move regardless of the products in a routine.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Everyone’s skin is different so reactions to Ppg-4 C13-15 Alketh-15 can vary. The points below list potential but uncommon side effects when the ingredient is applied to the skin. When used correctly in well-formulated products most people will not notice any of these issues.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching
- Stinging on very dry or broken skin
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis for those already sensitive to polyether surfactants
- Temporary eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If you notice any of these reactions stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 (very low)
PPG-4 C13-15 Alketh-15 is used in small amounts and is highly water dispersible so it does not form a heavy film on skin that could trap dead cells or sebum. Because it mainly sits at the oil water boundary and rinses away cleanly its tendency to block pores is minimal.
Most acne prone users can feel comfortable using products containing this emulsifier.
No evidence links the ingredient to increased sebum production or bacterial growth. Overall pore clogging risk will depend more on the other oils waxes or butters in the final formula.
Summary
PPG-4 C13-15 Alketh-15 is an emulsifier that keeps water and oil phases blended so creams pump smoothly sunscreens spread evenly and actives stay uniformly dispersed. Its carefully balanced chain of propylene glycol and ethylene glycol units lets it anchor between the two phases and maintain stability over time.
While not a headline ingredient it is a quiet staple in labs thanks to its reliability affordability and ease of use.
Current safety data shows a low risk of irritation or allergy at normal cosmetic levels. As with any new product do a quick patch test to be on the safe side.