Ingredient deep-dive

PPG (Polypropylene Glycol): Is It a Microplastic?

Medium concernPEG / glycol

Synthetic polymer in the propylene glycol family.

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PPG (Polypropylene Glycol), common questions

Is PPG (Polypropylene Glycol) a microplastic?

Yes: it is classified as a synthetic polymer. Synthetic polymer in the propylene glycol family.

Related ingredients

PEG-100 Stearate

PEG / glycol · Low concern

Ethoxylated emulsifier, one of the most common in lotions. Not a microplastic. The real question with PEGs is manufacturing purity, since ethoxylation can leave traces of 1,4-dioxane, a probable human carcinogen.

PEG (Polyethylene Glycol)

PEG / glycol · Medium concern

Synthetic polymer / surfactant family. Made with ethylene oxide, so it can carry trace 1,4-dioxane, a manufacturing by-product; FDA's 2008 survey found none in 80% of the products tested.

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

PEG / glycol · Low concern

Ethoxylated castor oil used to dissolve fragrance and oils into water. Plant-derived backbone, ethoxylated. Not a microplastic; the concern is 1,4-dioxane purity.

PPG-15 Stearyl Ether

PEG / glycol · Low concern

Propylene-glycol-based emollient giving a dry, silky finish. A synthetic polyether, not a microplastic.