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PPG-15 STEARYL ETHER.

Valuable CAS 25231-21-4 / SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT

PPG-15 Stearyl Ether is a versatile skin-conditioning agent that functions as an emollient and lubricant, delivering a soft and smooth skin feel. It also acts as a powerful solvent for various cosmetic ingredients and can enhance the skin's absorption of active compounds.

Summary

Emollient Skin conditioning agent Lubricant Solvent Penetration enhancer Moisturization Enhances skin elasticity Surfactant irritation reducer

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient forms a lubricating film on the skin's surface, contributing to a soft and smooth texture while preventing product dry-out. As a non-ionic emollient, it helps soften, grease, and smooth the skin. It effectively dissolves difficult active ingredients, including crystalline UV filters, and can form liquid crystal structures with specific emulsifiers to improve active ingredient dissolution, control release, and protect fragile molecules. It also functions as a penetration enhancer.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 2–25%
Optimal

2.5%

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 2 – 10
0 7 14

Stability

PPG-15 Stearyl Ether exhibits robust stability across a wide pH range of 2.0 to 10.0, with optimal performance for a 10% solution observed between pH 6.0 and 8.0. It is insoluble in water but readily dissolves in various oils, mineral oil, ethyl alcohol, and polar organic solvents. It can form liquid crystal structures (oleosomes) with select emulsifiers to enhance solubility and controlled release of active ingredients. The substance is compatible with all types of natural and synthetic oils and waxes, and can be used with non-ionic, anionic, and cationic surfactants, potentially mitigating irritation from stronger surfactants. Solutions are empirically shown to contain 0.05% to 0.1% BHT as an antioxidant.

Synergies

  • Emulsifiers (for liquid crystal formation)
  • Surfactants (potential irritation reduction)
  • Poorly water-soluble active ingredients (improved dissolution and release)
  • Crystalline UV filters (enhanced dissolution)
  • Pigments (improved wettability and capillarity)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
25%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that PPG-15 Stearyl Ether is safe for use in cosmetic and personal care products, with typical concentrations ranging from 2% to 10%, not exceeding 25%. It is also listed in the FDA's Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP) frequency of use data. While INCIDecoder rates its irritancy as low, some sources suggest it may cause minor skin irritation. Comedogenicity data is conflicting; INCIDecoder rates it as 'medium', whereas a commercial source claims it is 'non-comedogenic' and other sources indicate 'slightly comedogenic'.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Medium

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PPG-15 Stearyl Ether is a valuable ingredient due to its effective emollient properties, robust formulation stability, and proven ability to enhance the permeation and solubility of various active ingredients in skincare formulations.

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