Propylene glycol ceteth-3 propionate (inci)

"Propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol)" refers to a divalent alcohol which, due to its chemical and physical properties, is widely used in pharmaceutics, cosmetics and technology both as a monosubstance and as a component of an ester, "ceteth 3" refers to a polyoxyethylene ether with linear cetyl alcohol (for comparison see: laurethe as a polyoxyethylene ether of lauryl alcohol; steareth as a polyoxyethylene ether of stearyl alcohol, etc.). In the name of cetethe, the inserted numbering means the average number of ethylene oxide units per mole. Ceteth-3 is the designation for a polyoxyethylene ether with 3 ethylene oxide units per mole. Propionates are salts/esters of propionic acid.

Propylene glycol ceteth-3 propionate is used in cosmetic formulations. The substance acts as a skin care agent and emollient (makes the skin smooth and supple).