PPG-12-Buteth-16
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polypropylene Glycol Surfactant
Synthetic
Solvent
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Not Clean
Oxirane, methyl-, polymer with oxirane, monobutyl ether
CAS #
9038-95-3
Form
Liquid
Functions
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic surfactant developed for the cosmetics industry in the latter half of the 20th century. Designed to improve texture and stability in skincare and beauty products with no traditional equivalent.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR