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Description
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is a nonionic surfactant and multifunctional emulsifying agent synthesized by the esterification of methyl glucose followed by ethoxylation and subsequent reaction with oleic acid. Owing to its high degree of ethoxylation, the compound possesses excellent hydrophilic characteristics while retaining lipophilic functionality through its dioleate groups. This unique amphiphilic structure enables PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate to function effectively as an emulsifier, viscosity modifier, solubilizer, foam stabilizer, and conditioning agent in a broad range of cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulations.
The ingredient is particularly valued in modern personal care formulations because it provides excellent cleansing performance without significantly disrupting the skin's natural lipid barrier. Unlike many conventional surfactants, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate produces rich, creamy foam while maintaining exceptional skin mildness. Consequently, it has become a preferred ingredient in sulfate-free shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes, baby care products, and premium skincare formulations.
In pharmaceutical and industrial applications, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate serves as a stabilizer for emulsions, improves ingredient dispersion, enhances product consistency, and contributes to long-term formulation stability. Its compatibility with numerous surfactant systems and active ingredients makes it an extremely versatile formulation component.
CAS Number
CAS Number: 86893-19-8
Synonyms
Physical Properties
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is generally supplied as a pale yellow to amber viscous liquid or semi-liquid depending on the degree of ethoxylation and manufacturing conditions. The material possesses a relatively high molecular weight due to the presence of approximately 120 ethylene oxide repeating units, contributing to its exceptional water solubility and thickening ability.
The ingredient exhibits low volatility and remains stable over a broad temperature range encountered during cosmetic and pharmaceutical manufacturing. It has little to no characteristic odor and demonstrates excellent clarity when incorporated into aqueous surfactant systems.
Typical characteristics include:
Its hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) makes it particularly suitable for oil-in-water emulsion systems where high stability and low irritation are desired.
Chemical Properties
Chemically, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate consists of three principal structural components:
This architecture provides both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions within the same molecule, allowing efficient orientation at oil-water interfaces.
The compound is chemically stable under neutral and mildly acidic conditions typically encountered in cosmetic formulations. It demonstrates resistance toward hydrolysis under ordinary storage conditions, although prolonged exposure to strong acids or alkalis may gradually cleave ester linkages.
Because of its nonionic nature, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is largely unaffected by water hardness and remains compatible with cationic, anionic, amphoteric, and nonionic surfactants.
Manufacturing Process
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is produced through a multistep synthesis involving carefully controlled chemical reactions.
Initially, natural glucose undergoes methylation to produce methyl glucose. This intermediate subsequently reacts with ethylene oxide under controlled pressure and temperature conditions to generate PEG-120 methyl glucose. Finally, esterification with purified oleic acid produces the dioleate ester.
The production process generally includes:
Strict process control is essential to achieve consistent molecular weight distribution and maintain product purity.
Mechanism of Action
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate functions by adsorbing at the interface between immiscible phases. The hydrophilic polyethylene glycol chains interact with water molecules, while the oleic acid chains orient toward lipophilic substances.
This arrangement significantly reduces interfacial tension, enabling stable emulsion formation.
Within cleansing systems, the molecule surrounds oily contaminants, allowing them to be suspended in water and removed during rinsing. Simultaneously, its large hydrophilic structure contributes to increased viscosity by promoting intermolecular interactions within the aqueous phase.
The ingredient also stabilizes foam by strengthening liquid films surrounding air bubbles, resulting in richer and longer-lasting foam.
Applications
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate has extensive applications across multiple industries.
Personal Care Products
Skin Care
Hair Care
Pharmaceutical Applications
Industrial Applications
Advantages
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate offers numerous formulation benefits.
