GLYCOL DISTEARATE

EC / List no.: 211-014-3
CAS no.: 627-83-8
Mol. formula: C38H74O4

Glycol Distearate is the diester of stearic acid and ethylene glycol. 
Glycol Distearate is mostly commonly encountered in personal care products and cosmetics where it is used to produce pearlescent effects as well as a moisturizer.

Synthesis
Glycol Distearate may be produced via the esterification of stearic acid (or its esters) with ethylene glycol. 
Glycol Distearate can also be produced by a reaction of stearic acid with ethylene oxide.

Applications
When forced to crystalize as thin platelets Glycol Distearate can give liquids and gels a pearlescent appearance.
This is often used by the producers of personal care products (e.g. shower gel) to increase the visual appeal of their products. 
Glycol Distearate may also act as a skin moisturizer.

Glycol Distearate is also commonly used as an embedding agent in microscopy.

Glycol Stearate, Glycol Stearate SE, and Glycol Distearate are white to cream-colored waxy solids. 
All three ingredients are mixtures of mono- and diesters of ethylene glycol and stearic acid. 
Glycol Stearate and Glycol Sterate SE are predominantly the monoester, while Glycol Distearate is predominantly the diester. 
Glycol Distearate is a self-emulsifying grade of Glycol Stearate that contains some sodium and/or potassium stearate. 
In cosmetics and personal care products, Glycol Stearate, Glycol Stearate SE, and Glycol Distearte may be used to formulate a wide varitey of products including bubble baths, makeup, as well as hair, skin and nail care products.

Glycol Distearate is classified as :
Emollient
Emulsifying
Opacifying
Skin conditioning
Viscosity controlling

Why is it used in cosmetics and personal care products?
The following functions have been reported for Glycol Stearate, Glycol Stearate SE and Glycol Distearate.

Emulsion stabilizer - Glycol Stearate
Opacifying agent - Glycol Stearate, Glycol Distearate
Skin conditioning agent - emollient - Glycol Stearate
Skin conditioning agent - occulsive - Glycol Distearate
Surfactant - emulsifying agent - Glycol Stearate SE
Viscosity increasing agent - nonaqueous - Glycol Distearate

Uses    
Ethylene Glycol Distearate is suggested for use as an opacifier, pearlescing agent and viscosity modifier in cosmetic formulations and household product formulations.

Definition    
Pearlizing agents.

Purification Methods    
Crystallise the ester from *benzene/MeOH, diethyl ether/MeOH or Me2CO and dry it in a vacuum desiccator. 
Glycol Distearate forms an inclusion compound with 31 mols of urea. 

Use and Manufacturing
Household & Commercial/Institutional Products
• Inside the Home
• Personal Care
• Pet Care

Industry Uses
 Antioxidant
 Intermediates
 Lubricants and lubricant additives
 Paint additives and coating additives not described by other categories
 Pearlizing Agent
 Plasticizers
 Processing aids, not otherwise listed
 Solvents (for cleaning and degreasing)
 Surface active agents
 Viscosity adjustors

Consumer Uses
 Building/construction materials not covered elsewhere
 Cleaning and furnishing care products
 Electrical and electronic products
 Furniture and furnishings not covered elsewhere
 Laundry and dishwashing products
 Lubricants and greases
 Non-TSCA use
 Personal care products
 Plastic and rubber products not covered elsewhere

General Manufacturing Information
Industry Processing Sectors
 All other basic organic chemical manufacturing
 All other chemical product and preparation manufacturing
 Paint and coating manufacturing
 Personal Care - Non TSCA
 Petroleum lubricating oil and grease manufacturing
 Plastic material and resin manufacturing
 Plastics product manufacturing
 Soap, cleaning compound, and toilet preparation manufacturing

What is Glycol Distearate?
A close relative to glycol stearate and glycol stearate SE, Glycol Distearate is a white to cream-colored waxy solid used to condition skin, to increase the thickness of certain cosmetic products (like creams and lotions), and to reduce the clear or transparent appearance of cosmetics, such as in make-up concealers. 
Glycol Distearate in particular is often used as a “pearlizing” agent in body washes, to give the formula that pearlescent look that seems so inviting.

The chemical may be derived either from animal sources (cow- or hog-derived) or vegetable sources, such as soybean oil and canola oil. 
Glycol Distearate can also be produced synthetically through processing stearic acid.

What are the Concerns?
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel reported no human skin irritation or sensitization from Glycol Distearate. 
The concerns with this ingredient are probably mostly focused on allergies, in that if you're allergic, it's best to stay away.

What most people don't like about this ingredient is that it's made from ethylene glycol, which is used to make antifreeze, de-icing solutions for cars and planes, hydraulic brake fluids, lacquers, resins, wood stains, synthetic waxes, and the like. 
Though small amounts aren't likely to harm your health, it's still doesn't seem like putting a chemical like this (mixed with animal or vegetable fat) will benefit your skin, does it?

I say why not use true, nourishing choices like aloe, shea butter, jojoba oil, and other wonderful ingredients to condition skin? Why not use rosemary oil, like I do in my Rosemary Peppermint Body Wash, to provide gentle cleansing, while adding in olive oil for moisturizing and essential fatty acids?

And who needs the cream to be especially thick or pearlescent, anyway? A lot of what we pay for in standard personal care products are formulas made to have us think that they're healthy and lovely and rich and luxurious for our skin, when actually, we're applying a smooth, pearlescent chemical concoction that has few, if any, true benefits to the health of the skin.

Using natural ingredients gives us not only skin conditioning and cleansing benefits, but the added protection of antioxidants and essential fatty acids to help our skin truly thrive.

Glycol Distearate is produced by esterifying stearic acid or its esters with ethylene glycol. 
Glycol Distearate comes as a white to cream colored waxy solid that is used to condition the skin or hair. 
Glycol Distearate is also used as a thickener and gives creams a pearly appearance. 
The ingredient can come either from animal origin (cows, pigs ...), or from plants such as soybean oil and canola oil.

Its functions (INCI)
Emollient: Softens and softens the skin
Emulsifying agent: Promotes the formation of intimate mixtures between immiscible liquids by modifying the interfacial tension (water and oil)
Opacifier: Reduces the transparency or translucency of cosmetics
Skin care agent: Keeps the skin in good condition
Viscosity control agent: Increase or decrease the viscosity of cosmetics

What is Glycol Distearate?    
Glycol Distearate is “the diester of ethylene glycol and stearic acid.” 
Glycol Distearate can function as an emulsifier and emulsion stabilizer but tends to be primarily used as an opacifier/pearlizer for surfactant products. 
Glycol Distearate lends a really lovely creamy, pearlescent appearance to surfactant products without thickening them or negatively impacting lather (as added fats do).
Glycol Distearate is often sold with some variation on the word “pearl” in the name, so make sure you’re searching by INCI when looking for this ingredient.

 A so-called diester created from two stearic acid molecules and an ethylene glycol molecule. 
Glycol Distearate's main thing is being an opacifier and pearling agent in cleansing products making them white and glossy. 
Glycol Distearate can also give body to creams and emulsions.

A so-called diester created from two stearic acid molecules and an ethylene glycol molecule. 
Its main thing is being an opacifier and pearling agent in cleansing products making them white and glossy. 
Glycol Distearate can also give body to creams and emulsions.

Pearlizing agent for shampoos; very rich pearlescent glow; good temperature resistance; stable even in low viscosity shampoos; plant-derived.

Glycol Distearate is a chemical element that has a colored waxy solid that is a diester of stearic acid and ethylene glycol. 
Glycol Distearate is one of the prime components in diverse skin and nail care products. 
Glycol Distearate was originally derived from vegetable sources such as canola oil and bean oil. 
Moreover, it is also produced artificially by processing stearic acid that occurs naturally. 
In ancient times, it was used as herbal remedies to treat the skin, but nowadays it is used for personal hair care and skin care.

Glycol Distearate consists of diesters and is used in diverse cosmetic products including bubble baths and make-up. 
Glycol Distearate is considered as a skin conditioning agent and viscosity increasing agent. 
Glycol Distearate is generally used as a skin conditioner and a product which maintains the thickness of variant skin and hair products. 
Shampoo is one of the examples which contain Glycol Distearate in high concentrations as it helps the shampoo to remain thick and in gluggy shape. According to a research, it is neither toxic nor bio-accumulative in nature. 
To protect the compound from moisture, Glycol Distearate is packed in tight containers which are sealed to preserve for future use.

Glycol Distearate is also commonly known by the abbreviated, EGDS, or more commonly, as a pearlizing additive. 
Glycol Distearate is a natural product, and made by simply reacting triple pressed- stearic acid with EG to make a mixture of esters. 
Oddly, its effectiveness as an opacifier and pearlizing agent is due to it being practically insoluble in water based formulas.

Glycol Disterate is easy to use. 
Typical Usage rate is 1% to 2% in creams and lotion (O/W emulsion) products. 
EGDS will contribute body, opacity and a soft velvety feel, and some thickening too, at higher usage levels (up to 10%) even bringing the product towards a stiff paste consistency if used at a high level. 
Since it will add viscosity/ thickening properties you many not need to use any additional thickeners in your products.

When incorporated at 0.5% to 2.5% in aqueous products, like your shampoos, body washes and other blends, you can easily achieve brilliant pearlescence results. 
Keep in mind, consistent batch to batch pearlescent effects require formulation and manufacture under carefully controlled conditions.

For best results it is important to heat the batch to at least 70°C to 75 C (167 F) and maintain this temperature until the Glycol Distearate (pearl) is completely melted and finely dispersed.
The batch is then cooled to ambient room temperature with continuous agitation.

If Glycol Distearate usage is at too high a level, excessive opacity will diminish the pearlescent effect. 
If incorporated at too low a level, solubilization by surfactants can result in either no pearlescence or delayed and excessively temperature-sensitive pearlescence (resulting in product that is, or becomes, hazy or murky).

Glycol Distearate, also known as EGDS, and Ethylene Glycol monostearate, is an easy to use pearlizing agent , opacifier, and thickener. 

Glycol Distearate is made by the reaction of stearic acid with EG to make a mixture of esters.
Glycol Distearate is an effective opacifier and pearlizier mainly because it is nearly insoluble in water based formulas.

Glycol Disterate is easy to use. 
Typical Usage rate is 1% to 2% in creams and lotion (O/W emulsion) products.  
EGDS will contribute body, opacity and a soft velvety feel, and some thickening too, at higher usage levels (up to 10%) even  bringing the product towards a stiff paste consistency if used at a high level. 
Since it will add viscosity/ thickening properties you many not need to use any additional thickeners in your products. 
Just use it at 0.5% to 2.5% in aqueous products, like shampoos, shower and cleansing gels, body washes and other favorite blends, for brilliant pearlescence results. 
Keep in mind, consistent batch to batch pearlescent effects require formulating under carefully controlled conditions.

Glycol Distearate does take heat to incorporate Glycol Distearate, so you wil need to heat the batch to at least 70°C  to 75 C (167 F) and maintain this temperature until the Glycol Distearate (pearl) is completely melted and finely dispersed. 
As you continuously agitate / stir, let your batch cool to ambient room temperature.

If the Glycol Distearate usage is too high, excessive opacity will diminish the pearlescent effect. 
If incorporated at too low of a level, solubilization by surfactants can result in either no pearlescence or delayed and excessively temperature-sensitive pearlescence (resulting in product that is, or becomes, hazy or murky).

Product Specifications -

INCI Name: Glycol Distearate 
Appearance - White to off while flake
Odor - characteristic mild fatty / waxy
HLB 1.5
Type Nonionic
Acid Value mg KOH /g  195
Saponification Value (mg koh/g) 195
Melting Point 62
Insoluble in Water
Soluble in Alcohol (Ethanol and Isopropyl), Cosmetic esters, vegetable oils (heated), mineral oil 

In the ingredient descriptions: Good means that I like to see this in a product's list of ingredients. Okay means this product appears safe for a curly person like me to use. 
Caution means that this ingredient may not be good in some hair care products, or for some people. Avoid means this ingredient may hurt your hair. 
If you see this ingredient in a hair product, it's best to put it down and walk away.

Glycol Distearate may or may not be vegan. 
Glycol Distearate is a compound of Glycol and Stearic Acid, used in some cosmetics as an emollient or to produce a pearlescent effect. 
Stearic Acid can have plant or animal sources. 
Please check with the manufacturer.

Glycol distearate is the diester of stearic acid and ethylene glycol. 
Glycol Distearate is a self-emulsifying solid emulsifier used to opacify liquid soaps, lotions, creams and shampoos and imparts a distinctive high luster pearl. 
Glycol Distearate is mostly commonly encountered in personal care products and cosmetics where it is used to produce pearlescent effects as well as a moisturizer.
Glycol distearate may be produced via the esterification of stearic acid (or its esters) with ethylene glycol. 
Glycol Distearate can also be produced by a reaction of stearic acid with ethylene oxide.

Further explanation
(a), On physical and chemical indexes: firstly, shall be indicated carbon atom distribution; secondly, shall be indicated average molecular weight.

(b), Used in cosmetics, should be test for harmful substances or furtherly test for microorganisms, according to local regulations and standards.

Major Uses
Typical applications
 Use as lubricant.
 Use as dispersing agent, emulsion stabilizer.

Personal care products
Emollient, conditioning agent, pearlescing agent, viscosity controlling agent, opacifier, emulsifying agent in personal care products.

About Glycol Distearate 
Helpful information
Glycol Distearate is registered under the REACH Regulation and is manufactured in and / or imported to the European Economic Area, at ≥ 100 to < 1 000 tonnes per annum.

Glycol Distearate is used by consumers, in articles, by professional workers (widespread uses), in formulation or re-packing, at industrial sites and in manufacturing.

Consumer Uses
Glycol Distearate is used in the following products: washing & cleaning products, lubricants and greases, adhesives and sealants, polishes and waxes, fertilisers, plant protection products and coating products. 
Other release to the environment of Glycol Distearate is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners), outdoor use, indoor use in close systems with minimal release (e.g. cooling liquids in refrigerators, oil-based electric heaters) and outdoor use in close systems with minimal release (e.g. hydraulic liquids in automotive suspension, lubricants in motor oil and break fluids).

Article service life
Other release to the environment of Glycol Distearate is likely to occur from: outdoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. metal, wooden and plastic construction and building materials), indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment), outdoor use in long-life materials with high release rate (e.g. tyres, treated wooden products, treated textile and fabric, brake pads in trucks or cars, sanding of buildings (bridges, facades) or vehicles (ships)) and indoor use in long-life materials with high release rate (e.g. release from fabrics, textiles during washing, removal of indoor paints).
Glycol Distearate can be found in complex articles, with no release intended: vehicles.
Glycol Distearate can be found in products with material based on: plastic (e.g. food packaging and storage, toys, mobile phones).
Glycol Distearate is intended to be released from scented: clothes.
Widespread uses by professional workers
Glycol Distearate is used in the following products: washing & cleaning products, polishes and waxes and plant protection products.
ECHA has no public registered data on the types of manufacture using Glycol Distearate . Other release to the environment of Glycol Distearate is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners) and outdoor use.
Formulation or re-packing
Glycol Distearate is used in the following products: polymers, lubricants and greases and textile treatment products and dyes.
Release to the environment of Glycol Distearate can occur from industrial use: formulation of mixtures and formulation in materials.
Uses at industrial sites
Glycol Distearate is used in the following products: washing & cleaning products, metal surface treatment products, polymers, textile treatment products and dyes, pH regulators and water treatment products and leather treatment products.
ECHA has no public registered data on the types of manufacture using Glycol Distearate . Release to the environment of Glycol Distearate can occur from industrial use: in processing aids at industrial sites, in the production of articles, as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates), as processing aid and of substances in closed systems with minimal release.
Manufacture
Release to the environment of Glycol Distearate can occur from industrial use: manufacturing of the substance.

Glycol Distearate is used as an opacifier and pearlizing agent for the preparation of shampoos and foam bath products. Glycol Distearate can also be used as a consistency agent for creams and emulsions as well as for water free products.

In surfactant formulation it gives a bright white opalescence. Hot dispersed in water or surfactant systems, it forms pearlizing crystals while cooling down.

Melting Point: 58-64ºC
INCI: Glycol Distearate
Suggested use level: 1-4%
Cosmetic Raw Material

IUPAC NAMES: 
2-(octadecanoyloxy)ethyl octadecanoate
2-octadecanoyloxyethyl octadecanoate
Amides, coco, N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl], N-oxides
Ehtylene Distearate
ethane-1,2-diyl dioctadecanoate
Ethylene distearate
ethylene distearate
ethylene distearate
Ethylene Glycol Distearate
EthyleneGlycol Distearate
Octadecanoic acid, 1,2-ethanediyl ester
Octadecanoic acid,1,1'-(1,2-ethanediyl) ester

SYNONYMS: 
Alkamuls EGDS
EGDS
Elfan L 310
Emerest 2355
Ethylene glycol dioctadecanoate
Ethylene Glycol Distearate VA
Ethylene stearate
ETHYLENE Glycol Distearate
ETHYLENE DISTEARATE
1,2-distearoyloxyethane
Ethylendistearat
Pegosperse(R) 50 DS
Bis[octadecanoic acid]ethane-1,2-diyl ester
Distearic acid 1,2-ethanediyl ester
Distearic acid ethylene ester
2-octadecanoyloxyethyl octadecanoate
stearic acid 2-stearoyloxyethyl ester
Octadecanoic acid,1,1'-(1,2-ethanediyl) ester
Ethylene Glycol Distearate (Glycol Distearate)
Ethylene Glycol Monostearate/disterat
ethyleneglycoldlstearate
Genapol PMs
Glycol Distearate
Glycoldistearate
Kemester EGDS
Kessco EGDS
Lexemul EGDS
Lipo EGDS
Mapeg EGDS
McAlester EGDS
Octadecanoic acid, 1,2-ethanediyl ester
octadecanoicacid,1,2-ethanediylester
Oxyethylenedistearate
Pegosperse 50 DS
Rewopal PG 280
Rita EDGS
Secoster DMS
Stearic acid, ethylene ester
EMALEX EG-DI-MPS
EMALEX EG-DI-S
EMALEX EG-DI-SE
Ethylene Glycol Distearate
Glycol Distearate
627-83-8
Ethylene distearate
Ethylene stearate
Stearic acid, ethylene ester
EGDS
Emerest 2355
Elfan L 310
Ethylene glycol dioctadecanoate
Ethylene glycol, distearate
OCTADECANOIC ACID, 1,2-ETHANEDIYL ESTER
2-octadecanoyloxyethyl octadecanoate
Genapol PMs
Secoster DMS
Alkamuls EGDS
Kemester EGDS
Lexemul EGDS
McAlester EGDS
Kessco EGDS
Mapeg EGDS
UNII-13W7MDN21W
Lipo EGDS
Rita EDGS
ethane-1,2-diyl dioctadecanoate
Rewopal PG 280
1,2-Ethanediyl bis(octadecanoate)
NSC 6820
Glycol Distearate (USAN)
Glycol Distearate [USAN]
Octadecanoic acid, 1,1'-(1,2-ethanediyl) ester
13W7MDN21W
Stearic acid, ethylene ester (8CI)
2-(octadecanoyloxy)ethyl octadecanoate
ETHYLENEGLYCOLDISTEARATE
Emalex EG-diS
Pegosperse 50DS
Emalex EG-di-S
C38H74O4
EINECS 211-014-3
Pegosperse 50 DS
Ethylene dioctadecanoate
Tegin BL 315
EC 211-014-3
SCHEMBL29407
Ethylene Glycol Distearate VA
CHEMBL2106683
DTXSID6027260
2-(Stearoyloxy)ethyl stearate #
DTXSID40890487
NSC6820
CHEBI:177103
NSC-6820
Octadecanoic acid,2-ethanediyl ester
6992AF
LMFA07010887
ZINC56897608
poly(ethylene glycol) (n) distearate
AKOS015915533
ethylene Glycol Distearate, AldrichCPR
Ethylene glycol, diester with stearic acid
D04353
W-204237
Q10860420