PPG-2-Isodeceth-4

AKA: Polypropylene Glycol Isodeceth-4, PPG Surfactant

Synthetic

Cleanser

Emulsifier

Not Clean

Isodecanol, ethoxylated, propoxylated (4 mol EO, 2 mol PO average molar ratio)

CAS #

155683-77-5

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.

Cleansing Surfactant

Emulsifier

Removes Impurities

Mixes Oil & Water

Traditional Use

Synthetic polyethylene glycol-based surfactant developed in the mid-20th century for use as an emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetics and personal care products. Has no traditional or historical use prior to modern synthetic chemistry.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

CIR Safety Findings

Not an Irritant

medical-approval

all-shades-safe

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewednone on file

⚖️Regulatory1 listing →

🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →

Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR