PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Coconut Surfactant, Cocamide Derivative
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Tree Nut (Coconut)
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Clean
Fatty acids, coconut, reaction products with ethanolamine, propoxylated (2 mol PO average molar ratio)
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Surfactant Cleansing
Surfactant Emulsifying
Anti-Inflammatory
Moisturizing
Fights Acne
Lifts away dirt and oil
Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
Synthesized in the 20th century as a derivative of coconut oil combined with propylene glycol. Designed as a modern humectant and conditioning agent for hair and skin care products with no traditional predecessor.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
Dermal absorption: 100%. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 772).
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
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