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Glycol Stearate

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Catalog Number	CI-SC-0203
Product Name	Glycol Stearate
CAS	111-60-4
Structure
Synonyms	2-Hydroxyethyl stearate;Octadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl ester;Stearic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl ester;Ethylene glycol monostearate
Description	Glycol stearate is the ester of ethylene glycol and stearic acid. It is generally used as a pearlizing agent in shampoos and liquid hand soaps. It also functions as a bodying agent and emulsion stabilizer in these systems. It is generally used in low solids content formulations because it tends to build viscosity. HLB 2-3. Melting Point 54-58�C.
IUPAC Name	2-Hydroxyethyl octadecanoate
Molecular Weight	328.53 g/mol
Molecular Formula	C20H40O3
Canonical SMILES	CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OCCO
InChI	RFVNOJDQRGSOEL-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI Key	InChI=1S/C20H40O3/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-20(22)23-19-18-21/h21H,2-19H2,1H3
Boiling Point	149 °C
Melting Point	55-60 °C
Density	0.878 g/mL
Appearance	Waxy flakes
Application	Emulsions for skin and hair care products
Storage	Store light-protected at a cool and dry place
HS Code	3402130000
INCI	Glycol stearate
Uses	Recommended use level 2-4%. For external use only.

Product Overview

Glycol Stearate, an ester of ethylene glycol and stearic acid, serves multiple roles in personal care formulations. It is primarily recognized for its function as a surfactant, opacifier, and pearlizing agent, making it an ideal component in products such as shampoos and foaming bath items. Additionally, Glycol Stearate can act as a thickener, emulsion stabilizer, and consistency provider in various preparations, due to its hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of 2.0. Its ability to act as a masking or softening agent, coupled with slight conditioning and antistatic properties, further enhances its versatility. Being vegetable-derived, Glycol Stearate is suitable for emulsions and water-free formulations, often used in concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 4%, especially as a pearlizing agent in shampoos and liquid hand soaps.

Custom Q&A

What is Glycol Stearate and what are its primary uses?

Glycol Stearate, also known as ethylene glycol monostearate (EGMS), is an ester of ethylene glycol and stearic fatty acid. It appears as a white to off-yellowish powder or a light waxy flake. Glycol Stearate is primarily used as a surfactant, opacifier, and pearliser in cleansing applications, including shampoos and foaming bath products. Additionally, it serves as a thickener, emulsion stabilizer, masking agent, and softening agent with slight conditioning and antistatic properties.

Can Glycol Stearate be used in both emulsions and water-free formulations?

Yes, Glycol Stearate is a versatile, vegetable-derived ingredient that can be incorporated into both emulsions and water-free formulations, enhancing the product's texture and appearance.

What is the typical concentration range of Glycol Stearate in formulations?

Glycol Stearate is typically used at a concentration range of 0.5-4% in formulations. This concentration ensures optimal performance as a pearlising agent and consistency-providing component in shampoos, liquid hand soaps, and similar products.

How does Glycol Stearate contribute to the appearance of personal care products?

Glycol Stearate acts as a pearlising agent, which gives personal care products like shampoos and liquid soaps a luxurious, pearlescent appearance. This visually enhances the product, making it more appealing to consumers.

What are the functional properties of Glycol Stearate in personal care formulations?

Beyond its role as a surfactant and opacifier, Glycol Stearate functions as a thickener and emulsion stabilizer with a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of 2.0. It provides consistency to formulations and can deliver slight conditioning and antistatic effects, improving the overall user experience of personal care products.

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