What Is Ppg-5 C9-15 Alketh-6?
Ppg-5 C9-15 Alketh-6 is a laboratory-made ingredient built from a blend of synthetic fatty alcohols that each contain 9 to 15 carbon atoms. Through a controlled reaction, these alcohols are linked with an average of five propylene oxide units followed by roughly six ethylene oxide units, creating a water-compatible yet oil-loving molecule. Chemists first explored this type of structure in the mid-20th century while searching for gentler alternatives to traditional soaps. Over time manufacturers refined the process, and today the ingredient is produced in closed reactors where temperature and pressure guide the step-wise addition of propylene oxide then ethylene oxide to the base alcohols. The finished liquid is clear to pale yellow and carries little to no scent.
Because it can bring oil and water together without leaving a heavy feel, Ppg-5 C9-15 Alketh-6 shows up in a wide range of leave-on and rinse-off items such as light facial moisturizers, sunscreens, sheet masks, makeup removers, cleansing balms, hair conditioners and spray-on treatments.
Ppg-5 C9-15 Alketh-6’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators reach for this ingredient mainly for one key job that makes many modern textures possible.
Emulsifying: Ppg-5 C9-15 Alketh-6 helps tiny droplets of oil stay evenly blended in water and vice versa, preventing creams and lotions from separating on the shelf or on the skin. This stable mix allows products to feel lighter, spread more smoothly and deliver both oil-soluble and water-soluble actives in a single swipe.
Who Can Use Ppg-5 C9-15 Alketh-6
Because it is lightweight and non-occlusive, Ppg-5 C9-15 Alketh-6 generally plays well with all skin types including oily, combination, normal and dry. Sensitive skin can usually tolerate it since it is considered low irritation, though very reactive skin may prefer formulas that keep the overall ingredient list minimal.
The ingredient is synthesized from petrochemical feedstocks so it is not derived from animals, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Some brands may blend it with other ingredients of animal origin, so label checking is advised for those following a strict lifestyle.
No data suggest that topical use of Ppg-5 C9-15 Alketh-6 poses specific risks during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice; anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past a qualified healthcare provider to be on the safe side.
The molecule does not make skin more prone to sun damage and does not interact with UV light, so it is not considered photosensitizing.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to Ppg-5 C9-15 Alketh-6 vary from person to person. The effects listed below are possible but unlikely for most users when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild transient stinging
- Redness or flushing in very sensitive skin
- Contact dermatitis in rare cases of individual allergy
- Eye irritation if a product containing it accidentally gets into the eyes
If you experience any of these effects discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 (very low)
Ppg-5 C9-15 Alketh-6 is a lightweight, water-compatible emulsifier that does not leave an oily film on the skin. It is used at low levels, is mostly water soluble and is easily rinsed away, all of which make it unlikely to clog pores. Direct research on its pore-blocking potential is limited, but its chemical profile and real-world track record point to a very low risk.
Because of this low score, it is generally considered suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
No additional factors such as heavy molecular weight or high melting point are present that would normally raise the comedogenic concern.
Summary
Ppg-5 C9-15 Alketh-6 is primarily an emulsifier that keeps oil and water mixed so creams, lotions and cleansers stay smooth, feel light and deliver ingredients evenly. It does this by positioning its oil-loving tail in the oil phase while its water-loving head stays in the water phase, creating a stable bridge between the two.
The ingredient is not a headline grabber, but it pops up in everything from moisturizers to spray conditioners because it is reliable, affordable and easy to formulate with. Its popularity sits comfortably in the middle ground: not rare, not overhyped, simply a quiet workhorse.
Current safety assessments find it low irritation with a very low comedogenic rating. Most people can use it without issue, yet it is always smart to patch test any new product just to be sure it agrees with your individual skin.