IPM 3g

TL;DR. This ingredient is a lightweight emollient, slip agent, and solvent that helps formulas spread smoothly and reduces greasy feel. It is also used to help dissolve oil-soluble actives and fragrance components.

What does IPM 3g do in a cosmetic formula?

This ingredient is a lightweight emollient, slip agent, and solvent that helps formulas spread smoothly and reduces greasy feel. It is also used to help dissolve oil-soluble actives and fragrance components.

Is IPM 3g clean?

From a clean beauty perspective, it is generally well tolerated, but it can be a concern for acne-prone skin because it is often rated as comedogenic. It is not a headline restricted-list ingredient, though some brands screen it more closely for breakout potential and feedstock transparency.

Is IPM 3g sustainable?

This material is made by esterifying an alcohol with a fatty acid, with feedstocks that may be plant-derived, petroleum-derived, or mixed depending on the supplier. It is generally considered readily biodegradable, but palm or coconut sourcing can be a supply-chain consideration.

Is IPM 3g COSMOS-approved?

It can align with COSMOS-natural when made from approved renewable feedstocks and allowed processing routes, but supplier documentation matters. From a Green Chemistry lens, its profile is stronger when plant-derived fatty acids, efficient esterification, and good biodegradability are documented.

How does IPM 3g work chemically?

The molecule is a low-polarity fatty ester with a branched alcohol portion and a C14 fatty chain, which gives it fast spread, low tack, and good solvency for lipophilic materials. Typical use levels range from about 1 to 10% in creams, lotions, oils, makeup, and sunscreens, and it is broadly stable across normal cosmetic pH ranges but should be paired thoughtfully in acne-focused formulas.

Last updated 2026-08-20