Ingredient

PPG-3 Myristyl Ether

Mid risk

Also known aspolypropylene glycol (3) myristyl ether, PPG-3 tetradecyl ether, CAS 63793-60-2

FunctionEmollient

What it is — PPG-3 Myristyl Ether (CAS 63793-60-2) is myristyl alcohol (a C14 fatty alcohol) reacted with an average of three units of propylene oxide. The result is a light, oil-like liquid that spreads easily and does not feel waxy.

What it does — It softens and adds slip, helps dissolve oil-soluble ingredients such as fragrance and dye precursors, and lowers the viscosity of thick creams so they spread evenly through the hair. It also helps colour formulas rinse out without a heavy residue.

Typical use — Hair colour creams, colour-depositing shampoos, conditioners and some skin-care products. In the GDS Hair Dye Shampoo it is declared in the Brown and Dark Brown formulas.

Who it suits / good to know — Suits dry or coarse hair that needs slip without weight. It is not a silicone and not a mineral oil. Being propoxylated rather than ethoxylated, it is not associated with 1,4-dioxane, but propylene oxide is the equivalent process impurity to watch.

Safety — The US Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has assessed the PPG alkyl ether family and concluded they are safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating. Some studies report mild skin or eye irritation with the neat material, which along with the propylene oxide impurity question is why DHALIORA grades it mid. At rinse-off use levels it is generally well tolerated; keep out of the eyes and off broken skin. This is general information, not medical advice.

Why we grade it Mid: Mid risk — a propoxylated ether that is a mild irritant in some studies and can carry trace propylene oxide from manufacture; well tolerated at the low levels used in rinse-off products.
Cross-reference

Found in these DHALIORA products

Found in 0 DHALIORA products

Not currently in any DHALIORA product.

How grades are set — Risk reflects our own reading of publicly available safety data, an EWG-style reading shown at the worst-case grade we've assigned this ingredient across products. It isn't a third party's proprietary score, and it isn't medical advice. Always read the packaging and patch-test where indicated.
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