PPG-3 Methyl Ether (Tripropylene Glycol Methyl Ether, TPM)

Cosmetics Code: 252949

slow‑evaporating, “non‑tacky” solvent is needed: hair sprays, colourants, styling mousses/gels; facial toners, serums and essences; make‑up primers, foundations and powder

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PPG‑3 Methyl Ether (Tripropylene Glycol Methyl Ether, TPM)

EWG’s product database and public ingredient lists show TPM appearing in a broad spread of categories—especially where a slow‑evaporating, “non‑tacky” solvent is needed: hair sprays, colourants, styling mousses/gels; facial toners, serums and essences; make‑up primers, foundations and powders; deodorants, cleansing wipes and nail‑polish removers.



Key facts

Key facts Summary
CAS No. 25498‑49‑1
Primary cosmetic function Solvent/coupling agent (helps dissolve or keep otherwise‑insoluble fragrance oils, UV filters, dyes, actives, etc. in water‑rich formulas)
Typical use level 0.4 – 2 % in finished products; higher (≤ 5 %) occasionally reported for cleansers & wipes
Physical profile Clear, low‑odour liquid; fully water‑miscible; b.p. ≈ 236 °C, flash > 93 °C; very low vapour pressure (<0.1 mm Hg @ 25 °C)



Why formulators pick it

Formulating need What TPM adds
Strong but gentle solvency Dissolves a wide polarity range (fragrances, UV filters, some silicones, bioactives) while remaining completely miscible with water.
Low volatility / flash Evaporates ~6‑10 × slower than ethanol or DPM, minimizing fragrance lift‑off, reducing “cooling” feel, and lowering VOC contribution in aerosol‑free formats.
Coupling & clarity Prevents phase separation or cloudiness when small amounts of hydrophobes are introduced into clear toners, micellar waters or hydro‑gel masks.
Sensory modifier At 1–3 % it cuts the stickiness of glycerin/DPG, leaving a fresh, emollient after‑feel.
Penetration helper Patents and in‑vitro work show TPM can boost transdermal delivery of actives (e.g. antifungals, photosensitisers) when used at 5–30 % in adhesive or semi‑occlusive systems.



Safety & regulatory status

  • EU: Listed in CosIng only as a “Solvent”; not restricted in Annex II/III, so it may be used without a specific concentration cap provided finished‑product safety is demonstrated.
  • US/Canada/Japan: No specific prohibition; CIR Expert Panel concluded TPM (PPG‑3 Methyl Ether) is “safe as used” in cosmetics at the concentrations reported (0.4–2 %).
  • Toxicology highlights: Low acute toxicity, minimal skin/eye irritation, not sensitising or genotoxic; rapid renal clearance if absorbed. Aerosol particle sizes in hair sprays are typically non‑respirable.



Formulation tips & compatibility checklist

  1. Target pH 3–10: TPM is stable and shows no hydrolysis across normal cosmetic pH ranges.
  2. Water first: Add TPM after water‑soluble humectants; it will self‑couple oils.
  3. Plastic compatibility: Avoid Buna‑N, neoprene, and certain butyl rubbers in gaskets—these swell in prolonged TPM contact; stainless‑steel or PTFE parts are preferred in process equipment.
  4. Flash‑point buffer: With its 93 °C flash point, TPM usually keeps even alcohol‑containing sprays in the “combustible” (not “flammable”) class, easing shipping.
  5. Aerosols: Because of slow evaporation, pair TPM with a faster co‑solvent (e.g., ethanol 10–25 %) to optimise drying time in hair sprays or setting sprays.
  6. Preservatives: Fully miscible with phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin and most parabens; no known negative synergy.



Quick formulation reference

Product idea Typical TPM % Benefit delivered
Clear hair spray (pump) 1.0 % Keeps fragrance & resin soluble; reduces VOC total
Fragrance‑rich micellar water 0.5 % Prevents oil “floaters,” improves clarity
Hydrogel essence mask 1.5 % Cuts tack, boosts skin feel
Nail‑polish remover pads (non‑acetone) 3–4 % Slow evaporation → longer “wet” time to dissolve lacquer
Transdermal patch adhesive 10–25 % Solvent + permeation enhancer for drug crystals



Take‑aways

  • TPM is essentially the “slow, soft, water‑friendly” member of the propylene‑glycol‑ether family—perfect when you need strong solvency without the sharp odour or quick flash of lower‑glycol ethers.
  • It is broadly permitted and judged safe at up‑to‑low‑single‑digit percentages in leave‑on and rinse‑off products.
  • Treat it as a multi‑purpose helper: solvent, coupling aid, humectant‑feel adjuster and (at higher levels) penetration booster—so long as your packaging elastomers and VOC targets are compatible.



Usage: Mix in serum, lotion or cream.

Mixing method: Can be mixed in several steps.

Usage rate: 1-20% (do not use more than 50%)

Product characteristics: Clear liquid, similar to oil.

Solubility: Soluble in water.

Storage: Can be stored at room temperature, but close the bottle tightly and keep away from sunlight or heat. The product has a shelf life of at least 2 years.

INCI Name : PPG‑3 Methyl Ether


  • -
Test Name Specification
Purity ≥97.5 wt%
Water ≤0.10 wt%
Color (Pt-Co) ≤15


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PPG-3 Methyl Ether (Tripropylene Glycol Methyl Ether, TPM)

slow‑evaporating, “non‑tacky” solvent is needed: hair sprays, colourants, styling mousses/gels; facial toners, serums and essences; make‑up primers, foundations and powder

PPG‑3 Methyl Ether (Tripropylene Glycol Methyl Ether, TPM)

EWG’s product database and public ingredient lists show TPM appearing in a broad spread of categories—especially where a slow‑evaporating, “non‑tacky” solvent is needed: hair sprays, colourants, styling mousses/gels; facial toners, serums and essences; make‑up primers, foundations and powders; deodorants, cleansing wipes and nail‑polish removers.



Key facts

Key facts Summary
CAS No. 25498‑49‑1
Primary cosmetic function Solvent/coupling agent (helps dissolve or keep otherwise‑insoluble fragrance oils, UV filters, dyes, actives, etc. in water‑rich formulas)
Typical use level 0.4 – 2 % in finished products; higher (≤ 5 %) occasionally reported for cleansers & wipes
Physical profile Clear, low‑odour liquid; fully water‑miscible; b.p. ≈ 236 °C, flash > 93 °C; very low vapour pressure (<0.1 mm Hg @ 25 °C)



Why formulators pick it

Formulating need What TPM adds
Strong but gentle solvency Dissolves a wide polarity range (fragrances, UV filters, some silicones, bioactives) while remaining completely miscible with water.
Low volatility / flash Evaporates ~6‑10 × slower than ethanol or DPM, minimizing fragrance lift‑off, reducing “cooling” feel, and lowering VOC contribution in aerosol‑free formats.
Coupling & clarity Prevents phase separation or cloudiness when small amounts of hydrophobes are introduced into clear toners, micellar waters or hydro‑gel masks.
Sensory modifier At 1–3 % it cuts the stickiness of glycerin/DPG, leaving a fresh, emollient after‑feel.
Penetration helper Patents and in‑vitro work show TPM can boost transdermal delivery of actives (e.g. antifungals, photosensitisers) when used at 5–30 % in adhesive or semi‑occlusive systems.



Safety & regulatory status



Formulation tips & compatibility checklist

  1. Target pH 3–10: TPM is stable and shows no hydrolysis across normal cosmetic pH ranges.
  2. Water first: Add TPM after water‑soluble humectants; it will self‑couple oils.
  3. Plastic compatibility: Avoid Buna‑N, neoprene, and certain butyl rubbers in gaskets—these swell in prolonged TPM contact; stainless‑steel or PTFE parts are preferred in process equipment.
  4. Flash‑point buffer: With its 93 °C flash point, TPM usually keeps even alcohol‑containing sprays in the “combustible” (not “flammable”) class, easing shipping.
  5. Aerosols: Because of slow evaporation, pair TPM with a faster co‑solvent (e.g., ethanol 10–25 %) to optimise drying time in hair sprays or setting sprays.
  6. Preservatives: Fully miscible with phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin and most parabens; no known negative synergy.



Quick formulation reference

Product idea Typical TPM % Benefit delivered
Clear hair spray (pump) 1.0 % Keeps fragrance & resin soluble; reduces VOC total
Fragrance‑rich micellar water 0.5 % Prevents oil “floaters,” improves clarity
Hydrogel essence mask 1.5 % Cuts tack, boosts skin feel
Nail‑polish remover pads (non‑acetone) 3–4 % Slow evaporation → longer “wet” time to dissolve lacquer
Transdermal patch adhesive 10–25 % Solvent + permeation enhancer for drug crystals



Take‑aways



Usage: Mix in serum, lotion or cream.

Mixing method: Can be mixed in several steps.

Usage rate: 1-20% (do not use more than 50%)

Product characteristics: Clear liquid, similar to oil.

Solubility: Soluble in water.

Storage: Can be stored at room temperature, but close the bottle tightly and keep away from sunlight or heat. The product has a shelf life of at least 2 years.

INCI Name : PPG‑3 Methyl Ether

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