PEG-3 PPG-20 SUCCINATE

INCI: PEG-3 PPG-20 SUCCINATE | Function: Emulsifier, Skin Conditioning | Type: Stabilizer

What Is PEG-3 PPG-20 SUCCINATE?

A polyether ester formed by reacting PEG-3 and PPG-20 with succinic acid. Functions as a water-soluble emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations. Succinic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid found in amber and sugarcane, though this ingredient is produced synthetically. It provides mild emulsification and a light conditioning effect.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Mild emulsification — helps stabilize light emulsions and gels
+ Light skin conditioning — contributes to overall product feel
+ Water-soluble — easy to incorporate into aqueous phases

Pros

+ CIR-reviewed — safe as used
+ Non-comedogenic — does not clog pores
+ Good solubility profile — compatible with water-based formulas
+ Succinic acid backbone — derived from a naturally occurring compound

Cons

− Synthetic production — not considered natural
− Limited independent research
− Ethoxylated — PEG component introduces trace contaminant risk

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Eye, Body
Product Type	Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source	Synthetic
Natural Level	Synthetic

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	1/5 (very low)
Comedogenic Rating	0/5
EWG Score	1/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

Region	Leave-on %	Rinse-off %	Status
EU (CosIng)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
Japan (MHLW)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
ASEAN	No limit	No limit	Allowed
China (NMPA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product Type	Typical %
Gels / serums	0.5-3%
Light creams	0.5-2%

References

CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) — Safety Assessment of PEG and PEG Derivatives as Used in Cosmetics. Published in International Journal of Toxicology.
CosIng (2025) — European Commission Cosmetic Ingredient Database. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
EWG Skin Deep — Cosmetic Ingredient Hazard Score. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) — INCI Monograph and Safety Data.
PubMed / NCBI — Peer-reviewed dermatology and cosmetic science literature. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

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