PEG/PPG-4/2 COPOLYMER

INCI: PEG/PPG-4/2 COPOLYMER | Function: Solubilizer | Type: PEG/PPG Copolymer

What Is PEG/PPG-4/2 COPOLYMER?

PEG/PPG-4/2 copolymer is a block copolymer of polyethylene glycol (PEG-4) and polypropylene glycol (PPG-2). The PEG-dominant ratio provides good water solubility. The PPG block provides lipophilic character while the PEG block ensures water solubility. Used as a solubilizer in cosmetic formulations to help dissolve oil-soluble ingredients (fragrances, essential oils) into water-based products.

Key Skin Benefits

+ 增溶 — 帮助油溶性成分（香精、精油、活性物）溶解在水性配方中 (Solubilizes oil-soluble ingredients like fragrances and essential oils into water-based formulas)
+ 透明配方 — 使含有精油或香精的产品保持透明清澈 (Enables clear, transparent formulations with oils)

Pros

+ 非离子型 — 与大多数化妆品成分兼容性好 (Non-ionic — good compatibility with most cosmetic ingredients)
+ 温和 — 通常皮肤刺激性低 (Generally mild with low skin irritation potential)
+ 多用途 — 可用于多种产品类型（驻留型和洗去型）(Versatile — suitable for leave-on and rinse-off products)

Cons

− 合成成分 — PEG化过程涉及石化衍生物 (Synthetic — PEG manufacturing involves petrochemical derivatives)
− 可能含微量1,4-二噁烷 — 需通过纯化工艺去除 (May contain trace 1,4-dioxane — requires purification to remove)
− 非活性成分 — 仅作为配方助剂，无直接护肤功效 (Non-active — functions only as a formulation aid, no direct skincare benefit)

Specifications

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

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	1/5 (low)
Comedogenic Rating	0-1/5
EWG Score	3/10

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 %
Toner/Essence	0.5 - 2%
Fragrance solubilization	1 - 5% (as solubilizer for fragrance)

References

CIR — Safety Assessment of PEG ingredients. PEGs considered safe as used in cosmetics.
EWG Skin Deep — PEG compound hazard database
EU CosIng Database — Listed as cosmetic ingredient

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