PPG-5-Ceteth-20 is an alkoxy ether of cetyl alcohol, a heteropolymer of ethylene and propylene oxides. It is a water-soluble nonionic liquid surfactant. Its molecular structure gives the ingredient excellent multifunctionality, conferring properties as an emollient, fragrance solubilizer, humectant, plasticizer, emulsifier, solvent, and wetting agent. It imparts a dry, silky skin feel and reduces the greasy effect of oils and petrolatum.
PPG-5-Ceteth-20 is a clear to slightly hazy liquid with a mild fruity odor. It is used in bath oils, shampoos, clear gels, and other hydroalcoholic products, typically used at 5-20% concentrations. As a mixed ether, PPG-5-Ceteth-20 combines physical and performance properties. Its fluidity comes from propylene oxide, and its water solubility comes from ethylene oxide. Thus, it possesses enhanced functionality and increased mildness.
As a perfume solubilizer, PPG-5-Ceteth-20 is used in soluble bath oils, bath essences, and other hydroalcoholic systems requiring the incorporation of fragrances or similar ingredients that would otherwise be insoluble in aqueous alcohol. Its presence can help prevent any potential instability of emulsions consisting of perfume, herbal extracts, etc.
PPG-5-Ceteth-20 is an emollient with superfatting properties that help reduce the harsh, degreasing effects of most anionic surfactants in shampoos. It is also helpful as a conditioner in hair care products, imparting antistatic, emollient, and humectant properties to help give hair more sheen, softness, and manageability. Thanks to its ability to form non-sticky, transparent films, PPG-5-Ceteth-20 plasticizes the resin and provides a conditioning effect in hair sprays. It migrates to the film's surface, enhancing lubricity and improving hair combability.With an HLB of 16 and good surface tension, PPG-5-Ceteth-20 maintains surface activity for good suspension and wetting of the actives used in antiperspirant sticks. Because it can improve the water dispersibility of these actives, it lessens the stick's tendency to cause fabric staining. It is highly effective as a dispersing agent for the finely divided powders used in these dry systems since it can provide better re-dispersion of the active.
Incorporated in soap bars, PPG-5-Ceteth-20 helps prevent or reduce wet cracking. While functioning as an anti-cracking agent, it also acts as a processing aid since its inclusion reduces the incapability of other ingredients. It can also be used as a wetting and dispersing agent for the pigments in water-based decorative cosmetics. In curl activators, it acts as a gloss enhancer.
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