murphyPPG-4 Laureth-5
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polypropylene Glycol 4 Laureth-5
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
OriginDerived from propylene glycol and lauryl alcohol, members of the synthetic polymer and fatty alcohol chemical families. Synthesized through ethoxylation and propoxylation reactions combining these base materials into a polyether surfactant.
Dodecanol, ethoxylated, propoxylated (5 mol EO, 4 mol PO average molar ratio); Alcohols, C12-14, ethoxylated propoxylated
CAS #
68439-51-0
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Locks in moisture
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.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2016
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR