PPG-12 Diglucosyl C14-18 Acidate, also known as Polyoxypropylene(12) carboxyalkyl(14-18) diglucoside, is a cosmetic ingredient used primarily as an emulsifier and conditioning agent in skin and hair care products. This compound is valued for its effectiveness in enhancing the texture and stability of cosmetic formulations.
Chemical Composition and Structure
This compound is a polyethoxylated derivative that combines units of polypropylene glycol with a carboxyalkyl group (ranging from C14 to C18) and two glucose units. This structure allows for improved water solubility and greater compatibility with other cosmetic ingredients, enhancing foam-forming properties and the feel on the skin.
PPG (polypropylene glycol). The number after PPG (Polypropylene glycol) indicates the mol of ethylene oxide and the higher this number is, the less it penetrates the skin. PPG in small quantities is a safe, biocompatible, biodegradable polymer that produces pyruvic acid, a metabolite that our body uses to produce metabolic energy.
Physical Properties
PPG-12 Diglucosyl C14-18 Acidate typically appears as a clear or slightly opalescent viscous liquid. It is soluble in water and exhibits exceptional emulsifying properties, facilitating the formation of stable emulsions in a variety of cosmetic products.
Production Process
Chemical Synthesis: The compound is synthesized by combining polypropylene glycol with long-chain fatty acids (C14-C18) and glucose in a reaction catalyzed by enzymes or chemical catalysts.
- Polymerization: The mixture reacts under controlled conditions to form a polymeric structure with the desired physicochemical properties.
- Purification: After polymerization, the product is purified to remove any impurities or unreacted byproducts.
- Quality Control: The finished product undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets quality and safety standards necessary for cosmetic use.
Applications
Skin and Hair Care Products: Used as a conditioning agent and emulsifier in creams, lotions, conditioners, and shampoos. It improves the distribution of active ingredients and enhances the sensory appeal of products.
Cosmetic Products: Employed to stabilize formulations and improve the texture and feel of products on the skin.
Cosmetics - INCI Functions
- Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and are used to soothe or soften the skin and emulsify, so they need a specific, stabilising ingredient. This ingredient forms a film, lowers the surface tension and makes two immiscible liquids miscible. A very important factor affecting the stability of the emulsion is the amount of the emulsifying agent. Emulsifiers have the property of reducing the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improving the stability of the emulsion and also directly influencing the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating the filmometric performance.
- Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
PPG-12 Diglucosyl C14-18 Acidate is considered safe for use in cosmetic products and is generally well-tolerated by the skin. It is biodegradable, which reduces environmental impact. Safety assessments include tests to determine its non-irritancy and compatibility with human skin.
