PEG-150 Distearate (CAS 9005-08-7)
Product Name: PEG-150 Distearate (PEG 6000 Distearate, Thickener 638)
INCI Name: PEG-150 DISTEARATE
CAS Number: 9005-08-7
EINECS Number: Polymer Exempt
Molecular Formula: (C₂H₄O)ₙC₃₆H₇₀O₃ (n≈150)
Product Purity: ≥99.0%
Appearance: White to off-white flakes or powder, slightly yellowish flakes
Melting Point: 55–65°C
Acid Value: ≤5.0 mgKOH/g
Shelf Life: 24 months
PEG-150 Distearate, PEG 6000 Distearate, Thickener 638, cosmetic thickener, nonionic surfactant, surfactant thickener, shampoo thickener, body wash thickener, foam booster, mild thickening agent
PEG-150 Distearate (CAS 9005-08-7)
PEG-150 Distearate, also known as PEG 6000 Distearate or Thickener 638, is a high-molecular-weight nonionic surfactant widely used in the personal care and cosmetic industry. It is produced through the esterification of stearic acid with polyethylene glycol having an average degree of polymerization of 150 oxyethylene units, corresponding to an approximate molecular weight of 6,600 g/mol for the PEG backbone. This polymeric thickener is specifically designed for anionic and amphoteric surfactant systems, delivering exceptional viscosity building performance without compromising foam volume or quality.
PEG-150 Distearate is valued for its mildness, irritation-mitigating properties, and excellent compatibility with a wide range of cosmetic ingredients. It serves multiple functions including thickening, emulsification stabilization, foam boosting, and conditioning, making it a versatile workhorse ingredient in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and various other personal care formulations.
Key Benefits
• Exceptional thickening efficiency: Significantly increases viscosity of anionic and amphoteric surfactant systems with low dosage
• Foam-friendly thickener: Does not reduce foam volume; actually enhances foam quality and stability for richer, creamier lather
• Mild and non-irritating: Nonionic surfactant with excellent skin compatibility; helps mitigate irritation from harsher surfactants
• "Tear-free" formulation aid: Reduces eye irritation potential, ideal for baby care and sensitive skin products
• Emulsion stabilization: Excellent auxiliary emulsifier and stabilizer for O/W emulsions, improving product texture and shelf stability
• Broad formulation compatibility: Works well with anionic, nonionic, and amphoteric surfactants; compatible with most cosmetic ingredients
• Suspension capability: Provides mild suspending power for particulates, active ingredients, and pearlescent agents
• Conditioning benefits: Imparts smooth, soft skin feel and improves hair manageability in cleansing formulations
• Cost-effective performance: High efficiency at low usage rates (0.5–3%), delivering excellent value per kilogram
• Opacifying and pearlizing effect: Adds luxurious creamy appearance and pearlescent sheen to clear surfactant systems
Applications
• Shampoos and hair washes: Recommended usage 0.5%–3% for viscosity building and foam enhancement
• Body washes and shower gels: Recommended usage 0.5%–3% for rich creamy texture and stable foam
• Facial cleansers and face washes: Recommended usage 0.5%–2.5% for mild thickening and skin feel improvement
• Hand soaps and liquid soaps: Recommended usage 0.5%–2% for viscosity control and luxurious lather
• Hair conditioners and hair masks: Recommended usage 0.3%–2% as auxiliary thickener and conditioner
• Baby care products (baby shampoo, baby wash): Recommended usage 0.3%–2% for mildness and tear-free properties
• Shaving creams and shaving foams: Recommended usage 0.5%–2% for foam stabilization and cushioning
• Skin care creams and lotions: Recommended usage 0.5%–3% as co-emulsifier and viscosity modifier
• Gel products (hair gels, shower gels, bath gels): Recommended usage 1%–4% for gel structure and texture
• Pet care products (pet shampoos and conditioners): Recommended usage 0.5%–2.5% for thickening and conditioning
Certificate Of Analysis (COA)
Test Item | Standard Requirement | Test Result | Test Method |
Appearance | White to off-white flakes or powder | Complies | Visual inspection |
Purity/Assay | ≥99.0% | 99.5% | Calculated from acid & saponification value |
Melting Point | 55–65°C | 59.2°C | Capillary method |
Acid Value | ≤5.0 mgKOH/g | 2.8 mgKOH/g | GB/T 5530 |
Saponification Value | 14.0–22.0 mgKOH/g | 18.5 mgKOH/g | GB/T 5534 |
Hydroxyl Value | ≤5.0 mgKOH/g | 2.1 mgKOH/g | Acetic anhydride method |
pH Value (1% aqueous solution) | 5.0–8.0 | 6.8 | GB/T 6368 |
Solids Content | ≥97% | 98.2% | Gravimetric method |
Viscosity (25°C, 10% solution) | ≥60,000 mPa·s | 78,500 mPa·s | Brookfield viscometer |
Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤10 ppm | <2 ppm | ICP-MS |
Arsenic (As) | ≤2 ppm | <0.5 ppm | ICP-MS |
Lead (Pb) | ≤10 ppm | <1 ppm | ICP-MS |
1,4-Dioxane | ≤10 ppm | <1 ppm | GC-MS |
Total Aerobic Count | ≤1,000 CFU/g | <10 CFU/g | GB 4789.2 |
Mold & Yeast | ≤100 CFU/g | <10 CFU/g | GB 4789.15 |
E. coli | Absent in 1g | Not detected | GB 4789.3 |
Conclusion | Complies with cosmetic grade specifications | ||
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the difference between PEG-150 DS and Carbomer?
A: PEG-150 DS is a surfactant-based thickener for cleansing products; Carbomer works best in non-surfactant systems like gels. PEG-150 DS enhances foam and provides conditioning, while Carbomer suppresses foam in surfactant systems. Choose PEG-150 DS for shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers.
Q2: Does PEG-150 DS reduce eye irritation?
A: Yes. It forms mixed micelles with anionic surfactants, reducing free surfactant monomers that cause irritation. This is why it is widely used in "tear-free" baby shampoos.
Q3: How much should I use and how do I add it?
A: Typical usage is 0.5–3%, up to 5% for high viscosity. Add to water or surfactant phase, heat to 70–75°C with stirring until fully dissolved. Works best with anionic or amphoteric surfactants.
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