Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate is a nonionic surfactant and solubilizer produced by ethoxylation of hydroxystearic acid, widely used in cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceuticals, and industrial formulations.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate is especially effective as a solubilizing agent for fragrances, essential oils, and lipophilic actives in aqueous systems.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate is valued for its excellent emulsifying performance, good skin tolerance, and compatibility with a wide range of formulation ingredients.
CAS Number: 160875-66-1
EC Number: Not assigned
Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₃₆O₃·(C₂H₄O)₁₅
Molecular Weight: ~860–900 g/mol (average, ethoxylation dependent)
Synonyms: Polyethylene Glycol-15 Hydroxystearate, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate, PEG-15 Hydroxystearic Acid Ester, Nonionic Solubilizer, PEG Hydroxystearate, Ethoxylated Hydroxystearic Acid, Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate, PEG-15 Hydroxystearic Acid Ester, Polyoxyethylene (15) Hydroxystearate, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Ester, PEG-15 Hydroxystearic Ester, Ethoxylated Hydroxystearic Acid 15 EO, Hydroxystearic Acid PEG-15 Ester, PEGylated Hydroxystearic Acid, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Emulsifier, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Solubilizer, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Surfactant, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Nonionic Surfactant, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Emulsifying Agent, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Dispersing Agent, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Wetting Agent, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Solubilizing Agent, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Emulsion Stabilizer, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Detergent Additive, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Cleansing Aid, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Mild Surfactant, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Cosmetic Ingredient, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Personal Care Ingredient, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Hair Care Additive, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Skin Care Additive, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Shampoo Ingredient, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Body Wash Ingredient, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Facial Cleanser Ingredient, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Fragrance Solubilizer, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Essential Oil Solubilizer, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Perfume Solubilizer, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Pharmaceutical Excipient, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Drug Solubilizer, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Topical Excipient, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Oral Formulation Excipient, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Food Grade (where permitted), PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Industrial Grade, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Technical Grade, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate High Purity, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Clear Liquid, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Viscous Liquid, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Nonionic Emulsifier System, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Formulation Aid, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Processing Aid, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Functional Additive, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Specialty Chemical, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Fine Chemical, PEG-15 Hydroxystearate Chemical Raw Material, Polyethoxylated Hydroxystearic Acid 15 EO
APPLICATIONS
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate is used in cosmetic formulations.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate solubilizes fragrances and essential oils in clear products.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate improves clarity and stability of aqueous systems.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate is applied in shampoos and shower gels.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate enhances mildness and foam quality.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate improves distribution of hydrophobic ingredients.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate is used in skin care products.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate acts as an emulsifier in lotions and creams.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate contributes to smooth skin feel and spreadability.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate is incorporated into perfumes and fragrance bases.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate enables clear fragrance concentrates.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate stabilizes fragrance oils in water.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate is used in pharmaceutical formulations.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate improves solubility of lipophilic actives.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate supports uniform dosing in liquid products.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate is applied in industrial cleaners.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate solubilizes oils and organic residues.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate improves formulation transparency and performance.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate is used as a solubilizer in cosmetic formulations.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate improves solubility of fragrances and essential oils in aqueous systems.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate supports clear and transparent cosmetic products.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate is used in shampoo formulations.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate enhances solubilization of conditioning oils in shampoos.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate improves clarity and stability of surfactant systems.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate is used in shower gels and body washes.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate ensures uniform dispersion of fragrance components.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate enhances mildness of cleansing formulations.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate is used in facial cleansers.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate improves skin feel after rinsing.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate reduces irritation caused by surfactants.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate is used in micellar water products.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate solubilizes makeup residues effectively.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate enhances cleansing efficiency without residue.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate is used in makeup remover formulations.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate supports removal of waterproof cosmetics.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate improves gentleness for sensitive skin areas.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate is used in perfumes and colognes.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate enables clear fragrance solutions.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate enhances fragrance stability during storage.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate is used in skin care emulsions.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate improves emulsification of oil-in-water systems.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate enhances texture and spreadability of creams.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate is used in sunscreen formulations.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate improves dispersion of UV filters.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate enhances homogeneity of sunscreen products.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate is used in oral care products.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate solubilizes flavor oils in mouthwash formulations.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate improves clarity of oral hygiene solutions.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate is used in baby care products.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate supports gentle cleansing suitable for sensitive skin.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate improves mildness of pediatric formulations.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate is used in luxury personal care products.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate enhances premium sensory attributes.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate improves overall formulation aesthetics.
DESCRIPTION
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate is a viscous liquid to semi-solid material at room temperature.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate is typically pale yellow and has a faint characteristic odor.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate is based on a hydroxylated fatty acid backbone with polyoxyethylene chains.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate is nonionic and exhibits good compatibility with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate disperses easily in water with gentle mixing.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate forms clear to slightly opalescent solutions depending on concentration.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate improves solubilization without excessive foam suppression.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate maintains stability over a broad pH range.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate supports long-term clarity in finished products.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate is stable under normal storage conditions.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate resists hydrolysis in neutral systems.
Polyethylene glycol-15-hydroxystearate should be protected from strong oxidizing agents.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate is a nonionic surfactant derived from hydroxystearic acid and polyethylene glycol.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate appears as a viscous liquid or semi-solid material.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate is soluble in water and compatible with many cosmetic ingredients.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate exhibits excellent solubilizing and emulsifying properties.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate has a balanced hydrophilic-lipophilic character.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate is effective at low use levels.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate shows good stability across a wide pH range.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate performs well in both cold and hot processing.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate is compatible with anionic, nonionic, and amphoteric surfactants.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate contributes to improved clarity and product stability.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate enhances sensory properties of rinse-off and leave-on products.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate is widely used in cosmetic and personal care applications.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate should be stored in tightly closed containers.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate should be protected from extreme temperatures.
Polyethylene Glycol-15-Hydroxystearate is valued for its efficiency, versatility, and formulation flexibility.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Nature: Nonionic ethoxylated fatty acid ester
Appearance: Pale yellow viscous liquid or semi-solid
Odor: Mild, characteristic
Density: ~1.05–1.10 g/cm³ at 25°C
Melting Point: ~30–40°C (approximate, grade dependent)
HLB Value: ~12–14
Solubility in Water: Dispersible to soluble; forms clear solutions at typical use levels
Solubility in Oils: Soluble in many fragrance oils and esters
pH Stability Range: ~4–9
Cloud Point: ~40–60°C (1% aqueous solution, approximate)
Viscosity: Moderate to high
Ionic Character: Nonionic
Thermal Stability: Good under normal cosmetic processing temperatures
Biodegradability: Partially biodegradable (PEG component)
Storage Temperature: Store below 30°C in sealed containers
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if mist is inhaled.
Seek medical advice if irritation persists.
Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water.
Generally non-irritating under normal use conditions.
Eye Contact:
Rinse with water for several minutes.
Seek medical attention if discomfort continues.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth and drink water.
Seek medical advice if large amounts are ingested.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically; low acute toxicity expected.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Avoid prolonged contact with eyes.
Use gloves and eye protection for industrial handling.
Ensure good ventilation during processing.
Avoidance:
Avoid strong oxidizing agents.
Avoid excessive heating above recommended temperatures.
Spill Procedures:
Absorb with inert material and clean thoroughly.
Dispose according to local regulations.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers.
Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.
Protect from heat, light, and moisture.