Polypropylene
AKA “Polypropene”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Polypropylene
AKA: Polypropene
Synthetic · Emollient · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Emollient
Occlusive
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
Helps create a smooth, lightweight texture that glides onto skin and hair without feeling sticky or heavy.
CAS #
9003-07-0
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Viscosity Controlling
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Smoothing
Controls Viscosity
Antioxidant Protection
Reduces Inflammation
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
Developed in the 1950s as a synthetic thermoplastic polymer. Adopted by the cosmetics industry as a thickening agent, emulsifier, and texture component in formulations requiring thermal stability.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Propylene Glycol and Polypropylene Glycols
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Polypropylene
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polypropylene Terephthalate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polypropylene
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Polypropylene Terephthalate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR