PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether is a non-ionic surfactant and humectant commonly used in cosmetic and personal care formulations.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether is derived from methyl glucose that has been ethoxylated with an average of 20 ethylene oxide units.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether is valued for its mildness, good skin compatibility, and multifunctional performance.
CAS Number: 92450-99-2
Molecular Formula: C11H23NO7
Molecular Weight: 281.30282
Synonyms: PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, 72175-39-4, RefChem:8181, Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), alpha-hydro-omega-hydroxy-, ether with methyl D-glucopyranoside (4:1), octadecanoate (2:3), 0345752X7U, Ethoxylated methyl D-glucoside sesquistearate, GLUCAMATE SSE-20, METHYL GLUCETH-20 SESQUISTEARATE, METHYL GLUCETH-20 SESQUISTEARATE (II), PEG 20 methyl glucose sesquistearate, PEG-20 METHYL GLUCOSIDE SESQUISTEARATE, POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 1000 METHYL GLUCOSE SESQUISTEARATE, POLYOXYETHYLENE (20) METHYL GLUCOSE SESQUISTEARATE, UNII-0345752X7U, MONO-METHYL POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 20,000 2-(SUCCINYLAMINO)ETHYL ETHER;O-[2-(3-SUCCINYLAMINO)ETHYL]-O'-METHYL-POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 20,000;O-[2-(3-SUCCINYLAMINO)ETHYL]-O'-METHYL-POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 20'000;O-[2-(3-succinylamino)ethyl]-O'-methyl-peg 20'000;O-(2-(3-SUCCINYLAMINO)ETHYL)-O'-METHYL-;O-[2-(3-Succinylamino)ethyl]-Oμ-methyl-polyethylene glycol;MONO-METHYL POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 20'000 2-(SUCCINYL-AMINO)ETHYL ETHER ISO 9001:2015 REACH;Mono-methyl polyethylene glycol 20'000 2-(succinyl-amino)ethyl ether
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether consists of a methylated glucose core linked to polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains.
The glucose unit provides hydrophilicity and skin affinity, while the PEG chains increase water solubility.
This structure makes it highly compatible with both aqueous systems and other surfactants.
Physically, PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether appears as a clear to slightly hazy, colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid.
It is completely soluble in water and miscible with many polar solvents.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether has low odor and good stability over a wide pH range typically used in cosmetics.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether works by reducing surface tension and improving wetting and solubilization of ingredients.
It enhances emulsification efficiency and helps keep oil droplets uniformly dispersed in water-based systems.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether also binds water molecules, contributing to moisture retention on the skin and hair.
It is widely used as a surfactant, solubilizer, and humectant in cosmetic and personal care products.
Typical applications include shampoos, shower gels, facial cleansers, micellar waters, creams, lotions, and makeup products.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether improves foam quality, cleansing performance, and sensory feel while maintaining mildness.
In skin care formulations, it enhances hydration and improves spreadability and skin softness.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether supports stable incorporation of fragrances, essential oils, and lipophilic actives into aqueous bases.
It also helps reduce irritation potential of stronger surfactants when used in combination systems.
In hair care products, it improves manageability, softness, and shine while reducing dryness.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether supports uniform deposition of conditioning agents and improves product clarity.
It is suitable for sulfate-free and mild cleanser formulations.
From a safety perspective, PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether is generally considered low in toxicity and non-irritating when used as intended.
Eye contact may cause mild transient irritation, especially in concentrated form.
Prolonged skin contact with undiluted material may cause slight irritation in sensitive individuals.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether is not classified as flammable and does not present significant inhalation hazards under normal conditions of use.
Environmental risk is considered low, but large releases may contribute to increased organic load in water systems.
Proper disposal according to local regulations is recommended.
It should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place, protected from contamination.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether is stable under normal storage conditions and compatible with most cosmetic ingredients.
It shows good compatibility with anionic, amphoteric, and non-ionic surfactants, making it highly versatile in formulations.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether is a synthetic polymer formed from methyl glucose ether and polypropylene glycol.
The number represents the number of PPG units in the polymer chain.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether is light in color and soluble in oils and other organic solvents.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether is a naturally-derived 100% active, propoxylated methyl glucose ether.
It is designed for skin care formulations to deliver safe, effective moisturization without a heavy, greasy feel.
Because it is mild, vegetable-derived and non-comedogenic, it is especially well suited for products used around the eye or in formulations made for sensitive skin.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether supports formation of fine, uniform oil droplets and prevents coalescence.
It also contributes to a light, non-greasy skin feel in leave-on formulations.
In facial and body cleansers, it improves mildness and foam stability while reducing irritation from stronger surfactants.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether helps maintain skin barrier function by minimizing lipid removal during washing.
This makes it suitable for baby products and sensitive-skin cleansers.
storage temp.: -20°C
α-end: methoxy
Ω-end: carboxylic acid
UNSPSC Code: 12352200
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether is a non-ionic surfactant, solubilizer, and humectant widely used in cosmetic and personal care formulations.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether is produced by ethoxylation of methylated glucose with an average of 20 ethylene oxide units.
It is especially valued for its mildness, skin compatibility, and multifunctional performance in rinse-off and leave-on products.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether consists of a glucose-derived hydrophilic core chemically linked to polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains.
The sugar moiety contributes to biocompatibility and low irritation potential, while PEG chains provide strong water solubility.
This amphiphilic structure allows interaction with both hydrophilic and mildly lipophilic components.
Physically, PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether is a clear to slightly hazy, colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid or syrup-like fluid.
It is completely soluble in water and miscible with alcohols and many polar cosmetic solvents.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether remains stable over a broad pH range (typically pH 3–10), making it suitable for many formulation types.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether reduces surface tension and improves wetting of oils and insoluble actives in water-based systems.
It acts as a solubilizer, helping incorporate fragrances, essential oils, and lipophilic vitamins into clear formulations.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether also forms hydrogen bonds with water molecules, contributing to moisture retention on skin and hair.
In emulsions, it supports oil droplet stabilization and improves emulsion uniformity.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether enhances compatibility between different surfactant systems and reduces phase separation.
It can function as a co-emulsifier, improving long-term physical stability of lotions and creams.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether is widely used in skin care products such as creams, lotions, serums, toners, and micellar waters.
It improves hydration, smoothness, and spreadability while giving a light, non-sticky skin feel.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether also helps dissolve active ingredients like botanical extracts, fragrances, and vitamins.
In cleansing products such as facial cleansers, body washes, and shower gels, it improves mildness and foam quality.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether helps reduce irritation potential of stronger surfactants like SLS or SLES when used in mixed systems.
It contributes to clarity and viscosity control in transparent formulations.
In hair care products, it is used in shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in sprays.
It improves softness, manageability, and shine while reducing dryness and static.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether supports uniform distribution of conditioning agents and fragrance components.
In makeup and personal care products, it is used in foundations, makeup removers, and wipes.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether enhances pigment wetting, product stability, and sensory properties.
It also helps prevent phase separation in water-rich cosmetic formulations.
From a safety perspective, PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether is generally regarded as low toxicity and non-sensitizing.
Eye contact may cause mild temporary irritation, especially with concentrated material.
Skin irritation is rare, but very sensitive individuals may experience slight redness after prolonged exposure to undiluted product.
It is not flammable and does not present significant inhalation hazards due to very low vapor pressure.
Accidental ingestion of small amounts is unlikely to cause serious harm but may result in mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
Large environmental releases may increase organic load in wastewater, though the material is considered biodegradable.
For storage, it should be kept in tightly sealed containers to prevent contamination and water uptake.
It should be stored at moderate temperatures and protected from freezing to avoid phase changes.
It shows excellent compatibility with anionic, amphoteric, and non-ionic surfactants, polymers, electrolytes, and most cosmetic actives.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether is a non-ionic multifunctional surfactant, solubilizer, and humectant used primarily in cosmetic, dermatological, and personal care formulations.
It is synthesized by ethoxylation of methyl glucose, producing a molecule with high hydrophilicity and excellent skin compatibility.
Because it is sugar-based, it is often selected for formulations aimed at mildness and sensitive skin.
The molecule consists of a glucose backbone substituted with methyl groups and extended by polyethylene glycol chains.
These PEG chains provide flexibility, hydration capacity, and strong affinity for water.
The sugar-derived structure enhances biodegradability compared to many petroleum-derived surfactants.
Physically, PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether is a clear to slightly opalescent viscous liquid with low odor.
It is fully soluble in water and forms transparent solutions even at high concentrations.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether remains chemically stable under typical cosmetic processing conditions, including heating during emulsification.
Its surfactant action comes from the balance between hydrophilic PEG chains and the slightly lipophilic glucose moiety.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether reduces surface and interfacial tension, allowing dispersion of oils and fragrance materials in aqueous systems.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether also increases water binding in the stratum corneum, improving skin hydration performance.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether functions as a solubilizer for fragrances, essential oils, vitamins, and botanical extracts in clear products.
It improves clarity and prevents cloudiness or phase separation in micellar waters and toners.
This allows formulation of transparent products without harsh solvents.
Uses:
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether functions as a hair and skin conditioning agent.
As a skin conditioning agent forms a protective film on the surface of the skin which prevents loss of moisture from the skin and lubricates it.
When used in hair it forms a protective layer on the hair and prevents it from drying.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether makes it appear soft and silky. Depending upon the chemical structure PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether also functions as an emollient and surfactant in cosmetic products.
A surfactant is the one that more or less works like a detergent.
Chemically understanding, ether (-O-) being the connecting bond between PPG and Methyl glucose, imparts fat-loving characteristic, while PPG and methyl glucose, individually are water-loving in nature.
So, when they combine, they are effective against dirt and dead bacteria, since they are fat-loving.
They bond with dirt and bacteria present on the skin and get carried away with water.
Both PPG and Methyl glucose have some functional groups that attract water and hold it for use for the skin cells.
So, it can function as emollient as well.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether is used in formulations of creams, lotions, moisturizers, conditioners, and other skin and hair care products.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether is used as a non-ionic surfactant and solubilizer in water-based cosmetic formulations.
It helps incorporate fragrances, essential oils, and lipophilic active ingredients into clear aqueous systems.
This allows formulation of transparent products without the need for harsh solvents or high alcohol content.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether is widely used in skin care products such as creams, lotions, serums, toners, micellar waters, and cleansing waters.
It improves product stability, enhances hydration, and provides a smooth, non-sticky skin feel.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether also supports uniform distribution of botanical extracts, vitamins, and functional actives.
In facial and body cleansers, it is used to improve mildness and foam quality.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether helps reduce irritation potential of stronger surfactants when used in mixed surfactant systems.
It supports skin barrier protection by minimizing excessive lipid removal during washing.
In hair care products, it is applied in shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in sprays.
It solubilizes fragrance oils and conditioning agents while maintaining product clarity.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether improves softness, manageability, and shine without weighing down the hair.
In makeup and makeup-removal products, it helps dissolve oily makeup residues and pigments.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether improves wetting of the skin and enhances cleansing efficiency in wipes and liquid removers.
It contributes to gentle cleansing suitable for sensitive eye and facial areas.
In baby care and sensitive-skin products, it is selected for its low irritation profile and high skin compatibility.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether supports gentle cleansing and moisturizing performance in formulations for delicate skin.
It is commonly included in sulfate-free and hypoallergenic product lines.
In leave-on moisturizing formulations, it acts as a humectant that binds water and improves skin hydration.
It enhances spreadability and reduces tackiness compared to traditional polyol humectants.
This improves sensory acceptance of lightweight moisturizing products.
In multifunctional formulations, PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether improves compatibility between surfactants, polymers, and electrolytes.
It helps maintain viscosity stability and prevents phase separation over shelf life.
This makes it useful in complex cosmetic systems with multiple active ingredients.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether aids in the surface functionalization of MOF particles, which is important in biomedical applications.
Safety Profile:
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether is generally considered to have low acute toxicity and is regarded as mild and skin-friendly in cosmetic use.
However, direct contact of the concentrated material with the eyes may cause temporary irritation, redness, and tearing.
Immediate rinsing with plenty of water is recommended in case of eye exposure.
Prolonged or repeated skin contact with the undiluted substance may cause mild irritation or dryness in sensitive individuals.
Allergic sensitization is rare, but cannot be completely excluded with repeated exposure.
Protective gloves are recommended during large-scale or industrial handling.
Inhalation risk is very low due to its extremely low vapor pressure.
However, inhalation of aerosols or mists during spraying operations may cause mild respiratory tract irritation.
Adequate ventilation should be ensured in processing areas where aerosols may be generated.
Accidental ingestion of small amounts is unlikely to cause serious health effects, but may lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea or diarrhea.
It is not intended for oral consumption outside of regulated product formulations.
Medical advice should be sought if large quantities are swallowed.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether is not classified as flammable and does not present a fire or explosion hazard under normal conditions.
When exposed to high temperatures during combustion, it may decompose and release carbon oxides and other irritating fumes.
Firefighters should use appropriate respiratory protection in case of fire.