Ingredient dictionary

PPG-26-Buteth-26

A mild, nonionic cleansing agent that helps oil and water mix, so washes can lift away oil and rinse clean. It is on the label of 11 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

What PPG-26-Buteth-26 does

Helps oil and water blend together
Lifts oil and dirt from skin
Helps cleansers rinse off cleanly

PPG-26-Buteth-26 is a synthetic polymer, a long chain of repeating units. It is made by linking propylene oxide and ethylene oxide units onto butanol, a short alcohol that serves as the starting point. The two 26s show how many units each part has, on average.

Because the chain has both water-friendly and oil-friendly sections, formulators use it as a nonionic surfactant. Nonionic means it carries no electrical charge, which tends to make it gentler than many harsher cleansing agents. In a wash, it helps oil and water blend, loosens oil and makeup, and rinses away easily. The final feel depends on the whole formula.

Good for

Suits rinse-off cleansers and people who want a simple, easy-rinsing wash step.

Frequently asked questions

Is PPG-26-Buteth-26 safe for sensitive skin?

No ingredient suits every skin type, and sensitive skin can react to any surfactant. No ingredient family flag applies to this one. Patch test a new cleanser on a small area first, and rinse well.

Is it related to PEG?

Loosely, yes. PEG stands for polyethylene glycol. This ingredient is also built from repeating glycol units, but it mixes ethylene and propylene pieces, which is why its name has both PPG and Buteth.