PPG-5-Laureth-5
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polypropylene Glycol Lauryl Ether
Synthetic
Emollient
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Clean
Dodecanol, ethoxylated, propoxylated (5 mol EO, 5 mol PO average molar ratio)
Effective at 5.25%
CAS #
68439-51-0
Functions
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
Created in the mid-20th century as a synthetic humectant and emulsifier. Designed to replace natural plant-based emulsifiers while providing superior stability in formulations.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Irritant
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.5%
10.0%
0%14%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 0.5-10
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