Ingredient review
PPG-28-Buteth-35
INCI: PPG-28-Buteth-35
A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and conditioners, with a low risk of irritation.
In plain English
PPG-28-Buteth-35 is a man-made ingredient that helps oil and water stay mixed together in products like face washes and shampoos. It works as a surfactant, which means it can also help lift dirt and oil from your skin or hair so they rinse away easily. It is considered very gentle and unlikely to clog pores or cause irritation for most people.
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
PPG-28-Buteth-35 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 PPG-28-Buteth-35.
- 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
PPG-28-Buteth-35 is a synthetic polymer surfactant made from propylene glycol and butylene oxide. It belongs to a class of ingredients called alkoxylated ethers, which are designed to be mild and effective at reducing surface tension between oil and water.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, PPG-28-Buteth-35 sits at the boundary between oil and water droplets, lowering the surface tension so they blend into a stable emulsion. This allows cleansers to remove oily makeup and sunscreen without stripping the skin, and helps conditioners deposit smoothing ingredients onto hair.
Pros
Gentle on skin
PPG-28-Buteth-35 is considered very mild and rarely causes stinging or redness, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.
Improves product texture
It helps create smooth, creamy cleansers and conditioners that feel luxurious and rinse off cleanly without residue.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic origin
It is made from petrochemical derivatives, which may be a concern for those seeking 100% natural or plant-based skincare.
Can feel tacky at high levels
In very high concentrations, it may leave a slightly sticky or heavy feel on the skin, though this is rare in well-formulated products.
Best for
- People with normal to oily skin looking for a gentle cleanser
- Anyone who uses sulfate-free shampoos and wants good lather
Use caution if
- Those who strictly avoid all synthetic ingredients
Usage tips
Safety summary
PPG-28-Buteth-35 has a strong safety profile with very low irritation and sensitization potential. It is not known to be carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed similar alkoxylated ethers and found them safe as used.
Research notes
Published safety assessments and industry data indicate that PPG-28-Buteth-35 is well-tolerated on skin and scalp. No peer-reviewed human studies specifically on this ingredient were found, but its chemical class has been evaluated by the CIR and found safe for cosmetic use.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Usually 1–10% of the formula
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA), EU (CosIng), and many other regions. No known restrictions at typical use levels.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Conditioners, Body washes
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic polymer, it may not be fully biodegradable in all environments, but it is generally considered low-risk in aquatic systems at cosmetic-use concentrations.
Good to know
- PPG-28-Buteth-35 is often used in sulfate-free formulas to boost mild cleansing power
- It is considered biodegradable under standard wastewater treatment conditions
Common questions
What is PPG-28-Buteth-35 in beauty products?
PPG-28-Buteth-35 is a man-made ingredient that helps oil and water stay mixed together in products like face washes and shampoos. It works as a surfactant, which means it can also help lift dirt and oil from your skin or hair so they rinse away easily. It is considered very gentle and unlikely to clog pores or cause irritation for most people.
What does PPG-28-Buteth-35 do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, PPG-28-Buteth-35 sits at the boundary between oil and water droplets, lowering the surface tension so they blend into a stable emulsion. This allows cleansers to remove oily makeup and sunscreen without stripping the skin, and helps conditioners deposit smoothing ingredients onto hair.
Is PPG-28-Buteth-35 safe for most people?
PPG-28-Buteth-35 has a strong safety profile with very low irritation and sensitization potential. It is not known to be carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed similar alkoxylated ethers and found them safe as used.
Who should be careful with PPG-28-Buteth-35?
Those who strictly avoid all synthetic ingredients
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.