PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate is a cosmetic ingredient used primarily as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. It is a type of ester derived from benzyl alcohol and myristic acid, modified by the addition of propylene glycol (PPG) units. This ingredient helps improve the texture and feel of cosmetic products, providing a smooth, non-greasy finish. It is often used in formulations to enhance the spreadability and moisturizing properties of the product.

Chemical Composition and Structure:

Basic Structure: PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate is an ester compound that combines benzyl ether and myristate components with propylene glycol units. Its chemical structure includes an ester linkage formed between benzyl alcohol and myristic acid, with propylene glycol units attached to modify its properties.
Functional Groups: The molecule features ester groups (COO) and ether linkages (O), with propylene glycol units providing additional solubility and modifying its rheological properties.
Formula: The chemical formula for PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate varies depending on the degree of polymerization and esterification, but a general representation can be expressed as C18H32O4(C3H6O)n, where "n" denotes the number of propylene glycol units.

Physical Properties:

Appearance: PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate is typically a clear to slightly yellow liquid.
Solubility: It is soluble in various cosmetic oils and solvents but is generally insoluble in water. Its solubility in oils makes it suitable for use in oil-based formulations.
Odor: It generally has a mild, neutral odor that does not interfere with the fragrance of the final product.

Production Process:

Synthesis: The synthesis of PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate involves esterification of myristic acid with benzyl alcohol in the presence of a catalyst, followed by the incorporation of propylene glycol units through a polymerization reaction.
Purification: The product is purified through distillation and filtration processes to remove any impurities and unreacted materials, ensuring the final ingredient meets quality standards.
Formulation: The purified PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate is incorporated into cosmetic formulations. It is mixed with other emollients, stabilizers, and active ingredients to achieve the desired texture and performance in the final product.

Applications:

Cosmetics: PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate is used in a range of cosmetic products, including moisturizers, serums, foundations, and sunscreens. It enhances the application and sensory properties of these products, providing a smooth, silky feel and improving spreadability.
Personal Care: It is also utilized in personal care products such as body lotions and hair conditioners, where it helps to condition and smooth the skin or hair.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Environmental Impact: PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate is generally considered to have a low environmental impact. However, it is important to use it in accordance with regulatory guidelines and in responsible quantities to minimize any potential effects on the environment.
Safety: PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate is regarded as safe for topical use in cosmetics. It is well-tolerated by the skin and has a low potential for irritation. Nevertheless, it should be used according to established guidelines to avoid potential adverse reactions. Safety assessments are recommended for new formulations or high concentrations to ensure compatibility and safety.

INCI Functions:


Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Plasticiser. Ingredient added to the formulation with the purpose of retaining fragrance and colour, increasing flexibility, flowability, deformability, durability of various ingredients allowing better processing. It softens and makes flexible synthetic polymers that otherwise could not be easily processed, stretched or deformed.

Solvent. It is the substance for dissolving or dispersing surfactants, oils, dyes, flavourings, bactericidal preservatives in solution.In fact, it dissolves other components present in a cosmetic formulation. Solvents are generally liquid (aqueous and non-aqueous).

Surfactant - Foam booster. It has the effect of introducing gas bubbles into the water and affects the cleaning process by helping to spread the cleanser. Since sebum has an inhibiting effect on the bubble, more foam is produced in the second shampoo.
Synonyms:

CAS: 642443-86-5