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DESCRIPTION
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is a thickening agent commonly used in personal care and cosmetic products.
It’s derived from natural glucose and oleic acid (which is found in oils like olive oil).
This compound is often used to increase the viscosity of formulas and improve the texture of the final product, such as lotions, creams, shampoos, and body washes.
Cas Number
68131-39-5
SYNONYMS
Methyl Gluceth-20 Oleate,Methyl Glucose Dioleate,PEG-120 Methylglucosedioleate,Polyethylene Glycol 120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate,PEG-120 Methylglucose Oleate
Definition and Chemical Structure of PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is a highly viscous, water-soluble, non-ionic surfactant that belongs to the family of polyethylene glycol derivatives.
It is produced by the reaction of methyl glucose with oleic acid, which is esterified with PEG-120.
Its chemical structure consists of glucose (a sugar molecule) bonded to long-chain fatty acid derivatives, making it amphiphilic with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties.
The "120" in PEG-120 MGD refers to the average molecular weight of the polyethylene glycol part of the molecule, which is approximately 120.
Importance of Thickeners in Cosmetic Formulations
In cosmetic formulations, thickeners are essential for altering the texture, consistency, and flow of the product.
They give products the desired viscosity, ensure proper spreadability, and enhance the sensory experience.
Thickeners also contribute to the stability of emulsions (mixtures of oil and water), help suspend active ingredients, and prevent phase separation.
Overview of the Article
This article will explore PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate’s chemical properties, synthesis, applications, safety, and environmental impact.
Emphasis will be placed on its role as a thickener and emulsifier in the cosmetic industry, particularly in skin care, hair care, and toiletries.
Chemical Composition and Properties
Detailed Chemical Structure of PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
The molecule consists of a glucose backbone attached to long oleic acid chains (derived from natural vegetable oils).
The presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) groups imparts hydrophilic properties, while the oleate groups give the molecule hydrophobic character.
The amphiphilic nature enables PEG-120 MGD to act as a stabilizer and emulsifier.
Molecular Weight and Other Chemical Properties
Molecular Weight: 120,000 g/mol (average PEG content)
Solubility: Highly soluble in water, alcohols, and polar solvents but insoluble in oils and non-polar solvents.
Viscosity: PEG-120 MGD forms a gel-like structure in water, increasing viscosity significantly at higher concentrations.
pH Stability: Generally stable in a broad pH range (4-9), making it suitable for a variety of formulations.
Melting Point: The melting point typically ranges between 60°C and 70°C, depending on purity and formulation.
Comparison with Other Thickeners
Xanthan Gum: Unlike PEG-120 MGD, xanthan gum is a natural polysaccharide derived from bacterial fermentation.
It has a different mechanism of action and is less effective in oil-in-water emulsions.
Carbomers: These are synthetic polymer thickeners that work through cross-linking mechanisms, differing from the surfactant-based thickening mechanism of PEG-120 MGD.
Hydroxyethylcellulose: A cellulose-based thickener, works similarly to PEG-120 MGD in water but is less effective in emulsification.
Synthesis and Production Methods
Step-by-Step Production Process
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is synthesized by reacting methyl glucose with oleic acid derivatives.
The synthesis process typically involves:
Reaction of Methyl Glucose with Oleic Acid: The glucose molecule is esterified with oleic acid in the presence of a catalyst.
Polymerization: The PEG component is then introduced to increase molecular weight, forming a large polymer structure.
Purification: The product is purified to remove any unreacted intermediates, ensuring consistency and stability.
Raw Materials Used in Production
Methyl Glucose: Derived from glucose (sugar) and methanol.
Oleic Acid: A naturally occurring fatty acid, commonly obtained from plant oils like olive oil.
Polyethylene Glycol: A synthetic polymer made from ethylene oxide and water.
Environmental and Safety Considerations in Manufacturing
Manufacturing processes should aim to minimize waste and energy consumption.
Using renewable sources for oleic acid and glucose, or utilizing biocatalysts in the synthesis, could improve the environmental profile of PEG-120 MGD production.
The reaction process itself is typically conducted under mild conditions to reduce the environmental impact.
Mechanism of Action as a Thickener
Thickening Mechanism
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate acts as a thickener primarily through its ability to form gels and networks when mixed with water.
The hydrophilic PEG portion interacts with water molecules, while the hydrophobic oleate groups form bonds with other molecules or stabilize emulsions.
Influence on Viscosity
At lower concentrations, PEG-120 MGD increases the viscosity of water-based formulations by forming hydrogen bonds and creating a network structure.
At higher concentrations, the thickening effect is more pronounced due to increased interaction between polymer chains.
Stabilizing Emulsions
In emulsions, PEG-120 MGD helps stabilize oil and water phases by forming a protective layer around oil droplets.
This stabilizing effect prevents separation and increases product shelf life.
The molecule's amphiphilic properties make it effective in both oil-in-water (O/W) and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions.
Applications in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
Common Products Containing PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
Skin Care Products: Used in creams, lotions, and moisturizers for its ability to provide smooth textures and enhance viscosity.
Hair Care Products: In shampoos and conditioners, it improves the product's consistency and enhances spreadability.
Toiletries: Found in body washes, facial cleansers, and shaving products as both a thickener and emulsifier.
Sunscreens: Helps stabilize emulsions in sunscreen formulations and enhances application properties.
Role in Each Product Type
Emulsifier: PEG-120 MGD helps in creating stable emulsions by reducing interfacial tension between water and oil components.
Viscosity Modifier: It thickens water-based products, ensuring they have a desirable texture and flow characteristics.
Suspending Agent: In formulations containing active ingredients like vitamins or exfoliants, PEG-120 MGD helps suspend these particles evenly throughout the product.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Environmental Footprint
The production of PEG-120 MGD can have environmental impacts, especially in the use of petrochemical-based polyethylene glycol.
The sourcing of raw materials like oleic acid can also have implications depending on the agricultural practices used.
Sustainability and Green Chemistry
Sustainability efforts focus on using renewable resources, minimizing waste in the manufacturing process, and exploring biocatalysis to replace traditional chemical methods.
The cosmetic industry is increasingly leaning toward green chemistry to reduce the carbon footprint of their products.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives
Some companies are exploring biodegradable thickeners derived from renewable sources, like plant-based polymers or biodegradable surfactants, as replacements for PEG-based ingredients.
Compatibility with Other Ingredients
Interactions with Other Ingredients
PEG-120 MGD is compatible with most surfactants, preservatives, and oils.
However, it can potentially interact with cationic ingredients, which may affect its emulsifying ability.
Stability Considerations
Formulations containing PEG-120 MGD tend to have improved stability, especially in the presence of electrolytes, but may degrade over time under extreme temperature fluctuations or in highly acidic conditions.
Future Trends and Innovations
Emerging Trends in the Cosmetic Industry
Consumers increasingly demand clean, sustainable, and effective products.
As a result, there is growing interest in multifunctional ingredients like PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, which can serve both as a thickener and emulsifier.
Innovations in PEG-120 MGD
The development of more efficient, sustainable, and biodegradable variants of PEG-120 MGD could be on the horizon, especially as the industry moves toward more eco-conscious formulations.
Conclusion
In summary, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate plays a pivotal role in modern cosmetic formulations as a versatile thickener and emulsifier.
Its broad application range and favorable safety profile make it indispensable in the creation of high-performance products.
As sustainability becomes a growing concern, the cosmetic industry is expected to innovate further in how ingredients like PEG-120 MGD are produced and used.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT PEG-120 METHYL GLUCOSE DIOLEATE THICKENER
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
