Does PPG-15 Stearyl Ether consist of molecules with exactly fifteen propylene-oxide units?

No. “PPG-15” is the nominal average number of propylene oxide units attached to stearyl alcohol. The product contains a distribution of polyether chain lengths rather than one molecular species. Grades with the same name can differ in hydroxyl value, viscosity or antioxidant composition.

What should be compared when qualifying a substitute for PPG-15 Stearyl Ether?

Compare nominal propoxylation, hydroxyl and acid values, water, color, antioxidant composition, and viscosity at the same temperature and method. Check oil-phase compatibility, sensory performance and emulsion stability in the intended formula. Matching the CAS or INCI name alone does not establish a drop-in substitute.

PPG-15 Stearyl Ether CAS 25231-21-4

PPG-15 Stearyl Ether (CAS 25231-21-4), also called Polypropylene Glycol (15) Stearyl Ether or Stearyl Alcohol PPG-15 Ether, is a mixture of propoxylated stearyl alcohols with a nominal average of about 15 propylene-oxide units. It serves as an emollient, oil-phase carrier and sensory modifier in personal-care and technical formulations. Nominal PO, hydroxyl value, viscosity at a specified temperature, water content and physical form help distinguish grades for formulation selection. COA, TDS and SDS are available for specification review and safe handling.

CAS: 25231-21-4
Synonyms: Polyoxypropylene (15) Stearyl Ether, Polypropylene Glycol (15) Stearyl Ether, Polyoxypropylene Stearyl Ether 15
Molecular Formula: (C₃H₆O)ₙC₁₈H₃₈O (nominal n ≈ 15)
Grade: Nominal PO grade, hydroxyl and acid values, viscosity at the agreed temperature, water, color and antioxidant composition.
Package: Packaging and net weight are specified in the quotation for the required quantity and destination.

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Product Description

1 Identity and grade profile

2 Applications and formulation selection

3 Quality parameters and test methods

4 Handling and quotation

Identity and grade profile

Item	Product information
Product identity	PPG-15 Stearyl Ether; polyoxypropylene (15) stearyl ether
CAS	25231-21-4
Nominal formula	(C₃H₆O)ₙC₁₈H₃₈O, with nominal n near 15 and a grade-dependent distribution
Physical form	Typically a clear, colorless to slightly yellow liquid at room temperature; viscosity varies with temperature.

Applications and formulation selection

PPG-15 Stearyl Ether contributes emolliency and slip to creams, lotions, color cosmetics and hair-care formulations. Its polar character can support dissolution of suitable oil-phase ingredients; solubility, sensory performance and emulsion stability depend on the complete formulation.

In cream and lotion oil phases, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride provides a triglyceride emollient base, while Petroleum Jelly adds consistency and occlusive emolliency. Cetearyl Alcohol can help build cream structure alongside an appropriate emulsifier. These ingredients have complementary roles rather than identical functions.

Squalane is a saturated hydrocarbon emollient and offers a useful comparison for oil-phase selection. PPG-15 Stearyl Ether is more polar; compatibility with other ingredients and the finished formula should guide oil selection and substitution.

Quality parameters and test methods

Hydroxyl and acid values are reported in mg KOH/g using the stated titration methods. Compare water as mass percentage, color in Hazen/APHA units, and viscosity at matching test temperatures and methods. Antioxidant type, such as BHT or tocopherol, also matters when choosing a grade. Batch COA results and typical TDS values serve different purposes; the agreed specification identifies the batch-controlled parameters.

For grades requiring control of residual free propylene oxide, ISO 19619:2018 describes a headspace GC method for PO-adduct surfactants and polyethers: HS-GC-FID for measurement and GC-MS for confirmation. Matrix suitability and the reporting limit need to match the specification. Relevant quality test reports can be provided for grade qualification.

Handling and quotation

Keep containers tightly closed and protected from moisture. Apply the storage and conditioning instructions in the grade-specific TDS. Use the SDS for handling, PPE, transport and disposal.

For a quotation, send the quantity, destination and any reference grade or key specification. Include the intended formulation or residual-PO requirement if it affects grade selection. Packaging and net weight are set out in the quotation.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
Does PPG-15 Stearyl Ether consist of molecules with exactly fifteen propylene-oxide units?

A: No. “PPG-15” is the nominal average number of propylene oxide units attached to stearyl alcohol. The product contains a distribution of polyether chain lengths rather than one molecular species. Grades with the same name can differ in hydroxyl value, viscosity or antioxidant composition.
Q:
What should be compared when qualifying a substitute for PPG-15 Stearyl Ether?

A: Compare nominal propoxylation, hydroxyl and acid values, water, color, antioxidant composition, and viscosity at the same temperature and method. Check oil-phase compatibility, sensory performance and emulsion stability in the intended formula. Matching the CAS or INCI name alone does not establish a drop-in substitute.

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