Ingredient review
Disodium PPG-2-Isodeceth-7 Carboxyamphodiacetate
INCI: Disodium PPG-2-Isodeceth-7 Carboxyamphodiacetate
A gentle, low-irritation surfactant ideal for sensitive skin and baby care formulations.
In plain English
This is a synthetic cleansing ingredient that helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. It's designed to be very mild, meaning it cleans without making your skin feel tight or dry. You'll find it in gentle face washes, body washes, and even baby shampoos because it's less likely to cause irritation than harsher cleansers like sodium lauryl sulfate.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Disodium PPG-2-Isodeceth-7 Carboxyamphodiacetate is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Disodium PPG-2-Isodeceth-7 Carboxyamphodiacetate.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A synthetic amphoteric surfactant, meaning it has both positive and negative charges, which allows it to be mild and compatible with other ingredients. It is derived from PPG (polypropylene glycol) and isodeceth (a fatty alcohol ethoxylate), modified with a carboxyamphodiacetate group for gentle cleansing.
How it works
It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing oils and dirt on the skin to be emulsified and washed away. Its amphoteric nature makes it effective across a wide pH range and less likely to disrupt the skin's natural barrier compared to anionic surfactants like sulfates.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
This surfactant is known for its low irritation potential, making it suitable for sensitive skin types and daily use without causing dryness or tightness.
Versatile in formulations
It works well in a variety of rinse-off products like cleansers, shampoos, and body washes, and is often used in baby care for its mildness.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic origin
It is a lab-created ingredient, which may not align with preferences for natural or organic skincare routines.
Limited cleansing power
While gentle, it may not effectively remove heavy makeup, waterproof sunscreen, or excess oil in a single wash, requiring a double-cleansing step.
Best for
- People with sensitive or dry skin
- Those looking for a gentle daily cleanser
- Parents choosing mild baby care products
Use caution if
- Individuals seeking a completely natural ingredient list
- Those needing a deep-cleansing formula for heavy makeup or oil
Usage tips
Safety summary
Disodium PPG-2-Isodeceth-7 Carboxyamphodiacetate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and sensitization potential, and no significant safety concerns have been raised by regulatory bodies. As with any ingredient, patch testing is recommended for those with extremely reactive skin.
Research notes
Research on this specific surfactant is limited, but it belongs to a class of amphoteric surfactants known for mildness and safety. Studies on similar amphoteric surfactants show low skin irritation and good compatibility with sensitive skin. No long-term human studies are available, but its widespread use in baby care supports its gentle profile.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 10% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics globally, including by the FDA (as part of cosmetic ingredients) and the EU CosIng database, with no known restrictions at typical concentrations.
- Common uses
- Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Baby care products
- Environmental note
- Synthetic but generally considered biodegradable; however, its production involves petrochemical derivatives, which may have a higher environmental footprint than plant-based alternatives.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often listed near the middle of an ingredient list, indicating moderate concentration.
- It is considered biodegradable and safe for aquatic life at typical use levels.
Common questions
What is Disodium PPG-2-Isodeceth-7 Carboxyamphodiacetate in beauty products?
This is a synthetic cleansing ingredient that helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. It's designed to be very mild, meaning it cleans without making your skin feel tight or dry. You'll find it in gentle face washes, body washes, and even baby shampoos because it's less likely to cause irritation than harsher cleansers like sodium lauryl sulfate.
What does Disodium PPG-2-Isodeceth-7 Carboxyamphodiacetate do in a beauty product?
It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing oils and dirt on the skin to be emulsified and washed away. Its amphoteric nature makes it effective across a wide pH range and less likely to disrupt the skin's natural barrier compared to anionic surfactants like sulfates.
Is Disodium PPG-2-Isodeceth-7 Carboxyamphodiacetate safe for most people?
Disodium PPG-2-Isodeceth-7 Carboxyamphodiacetate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and sensitization potential, and no significant safety concerns have been raised by regulatory bodies. As with any ingredient, patch testing is recommended for those with extremely reactive skin.
Who should be careful with Disodium PPG-2-Isodeceth-7 Carboxyamphodiacetate?
Individuals seeking a completely natural ingredient list Those needing a deep-cleansing formula for heavy makeup or oil
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.