Ingredient review
PPG-38-Buteth-37
INCI: PPG-38-Buteth-37
A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps blend oil and water in cleansers, with a low risk of irritation.
In plain English
PPG-38-Buteth-37 is a man-made ingredient that helps mix oil and water in your skincare products. It's often used in cleansers and makeup removers to help them rinse away dirt and makeup without leaving a greasy film. Think of it as a helper that makes your cleanser work better and feel gentler on your skin.
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-38-Buteth-37 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-38-Buteth-37.
- 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 polymer derived from propylene glycol and butyl ether, designed to act as a surfactant and emulsifier in cosmetic formulations.
How it works
It reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to blend into a stable mixture. This helps cleansers effectively lift and remove oil-based impurities (like makeup and sebum) while remaining water-rinsable.
Pros
Gentle on skin
Has a low irritation risk, making it suitable for daily use in cleansers without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Effective emulsifier
Helps oil and water mix smoothly, so makeup and excess oil rinse off cleanly without leaving residue.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic origin
Derived from petrochemicals, which may be a concern for those seeking natural or plant-based alternatives.
Limited research
There is less published data on this specific ingredient compared to more common surfactants, though it is considered safe by regulatory bodies.
Best for
- People with normal to combination skin
- Those looking for a gentle, effective cleanser
Use caution if
- Individuals with known sensitivities to synthetic polymers
- Those strictly avoiding all synthetic ingredients
Usage tips
Safety summary
PPG-38-Buteth-37 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it suitable for most skin types. However, as with any ingredient, patch testing is recommended for those with very sensitive skin.
Research notes
Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel have found PPG alkyl ethers to be safe in rinse-off products. Specific studies on PPG-38-Buteth-37 are limited, but its chemical class is well-tolerated.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics by the U.S. FDA and the European Commission, with no known restrictions at typical concentrations.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Makeup removers
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic polymer, it may not be readily biodegradable; however, it is used in low concentrations and is not considered a major environmental concern.
Good to know
- Often found in sulfate-free cleansers as a gentler alternative to sodium lauryl sulfate.
- It is not known to clog pores (non-comedogenic).
Common questions
What is PPG-38-Buteth-37 in beauty products?
PPG-38-Buteth-37 is a man-made ingredient that helps mix oil and water in your skincare products. It's often used in cleansers and makeup removers to help them rinse away dirt and makeup without leaving a greasy film. Think of it as a helper that makes your cleanser work better and feel gentler on your skin.
What does PPG-38-Buteth-37 do in a beauty product?
It reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to blend into a stable mixture. This helps cleansers effectively lift and remove oil-based impurities (like makeup and sebum) while remaining water-rinsable.
Is PPG-38-Buteth-37 safe for most people?
PPG-38-Buteth-37 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it suitable for most skin types. However, as with any ingredient, patch testing is recommended for those with very sensitive skin.
Who should be careful with PPG-38-Buteth-37?
Individuals with known sensitivities to synthetic polymers Those strictly avoiding 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.