✅ 1. Description
PEG-150 Distearate is a non-ionic surfactant and thickening agent commonly used in cosmetic and personal care products.
- Derived from:
- Stearic acid (fatty acid)
- Polyethylene glycol (PEG-150) (high molecular weight)
👉 It is mainly used to increase viscosity (thickness) in liquid formulations and improve product texture.
- Appearance: Waxy solid or flakes
- Solubility: Dispersible in water (with heating)
- Works well in surfactant systems
⚙️ 2. Usage Rate
Typical usage levels:
- ✔️ 0.5% – 5%
- ✔️ Common: 1% – 3%
👉 Notes:
- Higher levels = thicker product
- Usually added to the water phase with heating (~60–70°C)
- Requires proper mixing to fully dissolve
🌟 3. Benefits
🧴 Thickening Agent
- Significantly increases viscosity of liquid products
- Helps create gel-like or rich textures
🫧 Foam Stabilizer
- Enhances and stabilizes foam
- Gives a creamy, dense lather in shampoos and body washes
💧 Improves Product Feel
- Makes formulations feel smoother and more luxurious
- Prevents products from feeling too watery
⚖️ Stabilizes Formulations
- Helps maintain uniform consistency
- Prevents separation in surfactant-based systems
🌿 Mild & Non-Ionic
- Gentle on skin compared to harsh surfactants
- Compatible with many ingredients
💡 Common Applications
- Shampoos
- Body washes
- Facial cleansers
- Liquid soaps
- Shower gels
⚠️ Formulation Tips
- Add during heated phase (60–70°C)
- Combine with surfactants like:
- Coco glucoside
- SLES / CAPB
- Too much can make product:
- Overly thick
- Slightly cloudy
✔️ Summary
- Type: Thickener + foam stabilizer
- Usage rate: 0.5% – 5% (ideal 1–3%)
- Main benefits: Thickens, improves foam, enhances texture