Ingredient Profile: PEG-150 Distearate

By: Michael J. Fevola, PhD, Johnson & Johnson

Posted: December 29, 2010, from the January 2011 issue of Cosmetics & Toiletries.

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PEG-150 distearate has an HLB value of about 18, thus the ingredient can also be used as a nonionic emulsifier for o/w systems. In addition, the use of PEG-150 distearate in color cosmetics, hair conditioner and shaving preparations has been reported in the literature.⁵

Finally, to overcome the need for the hot processing of formulas containing PEG-150 distearate to achieve effective dissolution, as previously described, raw material suppliers also provide the ingredient in concentrated aqueous blends with common anionic, amphoteric, and/or nonionic surfactants such as sodium trideceth sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine and PEG-80 sorbitan laurate. Such blends simplify formulating by premixing ingredients that are commonly employed together, e.g., the amphoteric and nonionic surfactants used in baby shampoos, and enabling ambient temperature processing.

References
Send e-mail to ct_author@allured.com.
1. PEG-150 Distearate, Monograph ID 2034, in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook, 13th ed, Washington DC: Personal Care Products Council (2010)
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