PPG-12 (Poly[oxy(methyl-1,2-ethanediyl)], .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-) is a common ingredient used in the cosmetic industry and in hair and skincare products. The term "PPG" stands for polypropylene glycols, and the number "12" indicates the number of propylene oxide units in the chain.
Description of the raw materials:
- Propylene Oxide. Propylene oxide is a key raw material for the synthesis of PPG-12. It is produced through the hydration reaction of gaseous propylene oxide.
- Propylene Glycol. Propylene glycol is used as an initiator in the synthesis of PPG-12. It is a raw material that reacts with propylene oxide to form the polypropylene glycol chain.
Summary of the industrial chemical synthesis process step-by-step:
- Preparation of ingredients. Propylene oxide and propylene glycol are prepared and accurately dosed according to specific proportions required for the synthesis of PPG-12.
- Polymerization reaction. Propylene oxide is reacted with propylene glycol in a chemical reactor, under specific temperature and pressure conditions, to polymerize and form a chain of polypropylene glycols with 12 propylene oxide units.
- Purification of the product. The reaction product undergoes purification processes to remove any impurities or unwanted residual reagents.
- Characterization of the product. The synthesized PPG-12 is characterized through chemical and physical analyses to confirm its identity and evaluate its properties, such as viscosity, solubility, and stability.
- Formulation of the finished product. PPG-12 is incorporated into the formulation of cosmetic or hair and skincare products along with other active and auxiliary ingredients.
- Production of the finished product. The complete formulation is produced in large quantities and packaged in bottles or appropriate containers for distribution and use.
PPG (polypropylene glycol) in small quantities is a safe, biocompatible, biodegradable polymer that produces pyruvic acid, a metabolite that our body uses to produce metabolic energy. It is considered a safe ingredient (1).
What it is for and where
Cosmetics
Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.
- Molecular Formula C6H14O3
- Molecular Weight
- CAS 25322-69-4
- UNII WNY0H4G53Q
- EC Number 500-039-8
- DTXSID30861722
- Nikkaji J101.144H
