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Moumoujus

PROPYLENE GLYCOL CAPRETH-4.

Questionable CAS - / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Propylene Glycol Capreth-4 serves as a multifunctional cosmetic ingredient, primarily functioning as a surfactant to facilitate cleansing and stabilize emulsions. It also imparts emollient properties, contributing to skin smoothness, and can enhance the penetration of other active compounds. However, due to the characteristics of its propylene glycol component, this ingredient may present a medium risk for irritation and a high risk for comedogenicity, particularly in sensitive or blemish-prone skin.

Summary

Cleansing agent Emulsifier Emollient Humectant Solvent Penetration enhancer

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient acts as a surfactant, effectively lowering surface tension to assist in cleansing processes and ensure the stable formation of oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions. Its emollient action helps to soften and smooth the skin's surface, while its humectant nature draws and retains moisture. Additionally, it functions as a solvent and can boost the delivery of other ingredients into the skin, optimizing their efficacy.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Similar to related esters, this ingredient is stable across a wide range of pH and temperature conditions, which can contribute to overall product stability by preventing ingredient separation. However, its propylene glycol base is prone to oxidation at high temperatures and must be kept separate from strong oxidants, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, chloroformates, and reducing agents.

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidants
  • Acid chlorides
  • Acid anhydrides
  • Chloroformates
  • Reducing agents
  • Hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, and silver nitrate (due to potential for explosive silver fulminate formation)

Safety

Safety Profile

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

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel deemed Propylene Glycol Esters, a group inclusive of this ingredient, safe for use in cosmetics. A related ester has been used safely up to 25%. While no specific SCCS opinion exists for Propylene Glycol Capreth-4, its base component, Propylene Glycol, is classified as 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS) by the FDA. Despite this, its propylene glycol base is linked to potential irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, with mild irritation observed in sensitive skin at concentrations as low as 2% to 20%.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

While effective as a multifunctional surfactant and emollient, its potential for medium irritation and high comedogenicity, particularly for sensitive or acne-prone skin, raises concerns for precision formulations.

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