PPG-3 Methyl Ether

What Is It?

PPG-2 Methyl Ether, PPG-3 Methyl Ether and PPG-2 Methyl Ether Acetate are colorless liquids with a mild, pleasant odor. In cosmetics and personal care products, these ingredients are used as solvents in the formulation of hair sprays. They may also be used in hair dyes, cleansing and other products.

Why Is It Used?

PPG-2 Methyl Ether, PPG-3 Methyl Ether and PPG-2 Methyl Ether Acetate are used as solvents in cosmetics and personal care products.

Scientific Facts

PPG-2 Methyl Ether and PPG-3 Methyl Ether are polypropylene glycol ethers, with and average of 2 and 3 units of propylene oxide, respectively. PPG-2 Methyl Ether Acetate is the ester of PPG-2 Methyl Ether and acetic acid. Propylene glycol ethers, including PPG-2 Methyl Ether and PPG-3 Methyl Ether are used as solvents in the manufacture of lacquers, glass surface cleaners and paper and packaging.

Safety Information

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes PPG-2 Methyl Ether (also called dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether) on its list of indirect food additives that may be used in adhesives. The safety of PPG-2 Methyl Ether, PPG-3 Methyl Ether and PPG-2 Methyl Ether Acetate has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel reviewed the scientific data and concluded that these ingredients were safe as used in cosmetic and personal care products.

CIR Safety Review: The CIR Expert Panel reviewed data that showed little toxicity of PPG-2 Methyl Ether following inhalation exposure, supporting the use of this ingredient in hair sprays. Additional data showed that PPG-2 Methyl Ether and PPG-3 Methyl Ether were not reproductive or developmental toxicants and were not genotoxic. A related ingredient, propylene glycol monomethyl ether was not carcinogenic. PPG-2 Methyl Ether was not a dermal irritant, nor did it result in sensitization reactions. Based on the data reviewed, the CIR Expert Panel concluded that PPG-2 Methyl Ether, PPG-3 Methyl Ether and PPG-3 Methyl Ether Acetate were safe as used in cosmetics and personal care products.

Link to the FDA Code of Federal Regulations for PPG-2 Methyl Ether: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr…

PPG-2 Methyl Ether, PPG-3 Methyl Ether and PPG-2 Methyl Ether Acetate may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Regulation of the European Union.

Link to the EU Cosmetic Regulation: http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/consumers/product_labelling_and_packaging/co0013_en.htm

More Scientific Information

PPG-2 Methyl Ether, PPG-3 Methyl Ether and PPG-2 Methyl Ether Acetate are clear, liquids that are completely soluble in water.

Resources

Find out more about the regulation of Food Additives by the Food and Drug Administration

Food Ingredients and Packaging: http://www.fda.gov/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/default.htm

Food Contact Substances: http://www.fda.gov/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/PackagingFCS/default.htm

Substances Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS): http://www.fda.gov/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/GRAS/default.htm

Search the Code of Federal Regulations http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm

EU Cosmetics Inventory http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/cosmetics/cosing/