What is PPG-15 Stearyl Ether and how does it compare across the PPG-ether series?
PPG-15 stearyl ether (CAS 25231-21-4) is a stearyl (C18) alcohol polypropylene-glycol ether with about 15 PPG units, one of the more propoxylated grades in the family. The extra PPG units increase spreadability and oil-phase solubility relative to PPG-11 stearyl ether while keeping the rich C18 emollient character. Bulk quantities are sourced to specification.
PPG-15 STEARYL ETHER- ▸ Skin care: Emollient and skin-conditioning agent
- ▸ Hair care: Conditioning agent
- ▸ Cosmetic formulating: Co-emollient and texture modifier
| Grade | Alkyl cap | Avg. PPG units | CAS No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| PPG-3 Myristyl Ether | Myristyl (C14) | 3 | 63793-60-2 |
| PPG-10 Cetyl Ether | Cetyl (C16) | 10 | 68424-61-3 |
| PPG-11 Stearyl Ether | Stearyl (C18) | 11 | 68155-01-1 |
| PPG-14 Butyl Ether | Butyl (C4) | 14 | 9043-30-5 |
| PPG-15 Stearyl Ether you are here | Stearyl (C18) | 15 | 25231-21-4 |
How to choose: These are polypropylene glycol (PPG) ethers of fatty alcohols — nonionic emollients and solvents. Unlike a PEG (ethoxylate) chain, the PPG (propoxylate) chain is lipophilic, so more PPG units raise oil-solubility, spreadability and pigment-wetting while keeping the grade oil- rather than water-soluble. The alkyl cap sets the skin-feel: the long C16-C18 cetyl and stearyl ethers give a richer, more substantive conditioning emolliency, while the short butyl ether is a lighter, more solvent-like carrier and coupling agent.
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A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →PPG-15 Stearyl Ether (INCI PPG-15 Stearyl Ether; CAS 25231-21-4) is a light, water-resistant emollient — stearyl alcohol reacted with about 15 units of propylene oxide. It spreads easily and leaves a smooth, low-tack, non-occlusive film, and it disperses pigments well, which makes it a versatile skin-feel and color-cosmetic emollient.
What is PPG-15 stearyl ether?
It is a polypropylene-glycol ether of stearyl (C18) alcohol. The propylene-oxide chain gives oil compatibility, water resistance and a dry, light feel, while the long alkyl tail provides substantivity and pigment wetting. It is a clear-to-pale, low-viscosity liquid.
Applications by sector
Skin & sun care. A light, water-resistant emollient that improves spread, reduces greasiness and supports wear in lotions, sunscreens and antiperspirants. Color cosmetics. A pigment-wetting and dispersing emollient with a smooth, low-tack finish in foundations and makeup. Match the emollient to the feel and wear your formula needs; these describe formulation behavior, not skin-health claims.
Forms and grades
Supplied as a clear liquid; confirm grade on the RFQ. Related emollients: PPG-14 butyl ether, isononyl isononanoate.
Handling and documentation
Each lot ships with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA); request the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for handling data.
Bulk supply and RFQ
RawSource supplies PPG-15 stearyl ether in bulk to personal-care formulators, with CoA and SDS per lot. Submit an RFQ with your grade and target quantity.
Typical Properties
Typical reference values, not a specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot governs.
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| INCI Name | PPG-15 Stearyl Ether |
| CAS Number | 25231-21-4 |
| Chemical type | Polypropylene-glycol ether of stearyl alcohol |
| Appearance | Clear to pale liquid |
| Character | Light, water-resistant, low-tack emollient; pigment dispersant |
| Solubility | Oil-compatible; water-resistant |
| Flammability / handling | Refer to the current SDS |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PPG-15 stearyl ether used for?
PPG-15 stearyl ether (CAS 25231-21-4) is a light, water-resistant emollient used to improve spread, reduce greasiness and support wear in skin care, sun care and antiperspirants, and to wet and disperse pigments in color cosmetics.
Is PPG-15 stearyl ether water resistant?
Yes — the propylene-oxide backbone makes it oil-compatible and water-resistant with a dry, low-tack feel, which supports wear in sun and antiperspirant products.
What is the CAS of PPG-15 stearyl ether?
It is CAS 25231-21-4. As a polyether it is a defined-average material supplied to a grade; the CoA documents each lot.
How is bulk PPG-15 stearyl ether supplied and quoted?
RawSource supplies it as a liquid in bulk with CoA and SDS per lot. Pricing is quote-based on grade and volume; submit an RFQ with your target quantity.