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PPG-2 HYDROXYETHYL COCAMIDE.

Valuable / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide is a highly versatile nonionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from coconut oil. It functions to stabilize formulations, enhance foam quality, and provide gentle conditioning benefits for both skin and hair.

Surfactant Emulsifying Foam Boosting Viscosity Modifying Conditioning Solubilizing

Science

This ingredient works by significantly reducing the surface tension of liquids, which facilitates the stable blending of immiscible substances like oil and water. It contributes to product viscosity, aids in creating a rich, creamy lather, and helps prevent formulation separation. Additionally, it can solubilize fragrances and other compounds, while also acting as a conditioning agent to promote softer, more hydrated skin and hair.


Research

High confidence
Effective range 0.00025–7.5%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 The 2019 Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel determined PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide to be safe across a broad concentration spectrum, from 0.00025% to 7.5%, when formulated to be non-irritating. This assessment was based on a survey of 354 personal care products.
  2. 02 In a Human Repeat Insult Patch Test (HRIPT), a 5% aqueous solution of the ingredient was not found to be a sensitizer. Human patch tests (0.2 ml on 4.5 cm² patches on 50 subjects) also demonstrated it was not an irritant.
  3. 03 Suppliers typically recommend use levels between 0.5% and 4% for optimal performance in formulations.

Transparency

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 6.5 – 7.5
0 7 14

Stability

The propoxylation process enhances the ingredient's solubility and stability, making it stable within an optimal pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. It facilitates the creation of clear formulations and can be processed effectively at cold temperatures.


Safety

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
7.5%
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel in 2019 concluded that PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide is safe for use in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 7.5%, provided formulations are designed to be non-irritating. While undiluted forms exhibited moderate irritation to rabbit eyes and skin after prolonged 4-hour exposure, it was not an irritant in human patch tests and a 5% aqueous solution showed no sensitization in an HRIPT. It is generally considered to have good safety for cosmetic use and is not known to be comedogenic or irritating to human skin in formulated applications, though patch testing is advised for individual sensitivities.


Your Skin

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Valuable

PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide is a valuable, multifunctional ingredient, highly effective as a surfactant, emulsifier, and conditioner, demonstrating a strong safety profile in cosmetic formulations across diverse product types.


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