PEG-100 Stearate vs. PEG-150 Distearate

Attribute	PEG-100 Stearate	PEG-150 Distearate
Chemical Structure	Consists of PEG chains attached to stearic acid	Consists of PEG chains attached to distearic acid
Function	Emulsifier, surfactant, and thickening agent	Emulsifier, surfactant, and thickening agent
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB)	HLB value around 15	HLB value around 4
Appearance	White waxy solid	White waxy solid
Usage	Commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products	Commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products

Introduction

PEG-100 Stearate and PEG-150 Distearate are both commonly used ingredients in skincare and cosmetic products. They belong to the family of polyethylene glycol (PEG) compounds, which are widely used in the beauty industry for their emulsifying, moisturizing, and cleansing properties. While these two ingredients may sound similar, they have distinct attributes that make them suitable for different formulations and purposes.

Chemical Structure

PEG-100 Stearate is a polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid, while PEG-150 Distearate is a polyethylene glycol distearate. The number in the name of each compound refers to the average number of ethylene oxide units in the molecule. PEG-100 Stearate has 100 ethylene oxide units, while PEG-150 Distearate has 150 ethylene oxide units. This difference in chemical structure can impact the solubility, stability, and performance of these ingredients in formulations.

Emulsifying Properties

Both PEG-100 Stearate and PEG-150 Distearate are used as emulsifiers in skincare products to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions. However, PEG-150 Distearate is considered to be a more effective emulsifier compared to PEG-100 Stearate due to its higher molecular weight and longer ethylene oxide chain. This allows PEG-150 Distearate to create more stable emulsions and improve the texture and feel of the final product.

Moisturizing Benefits

PEG-100 Stearate and PEG-150 Distearate both have moisturizing properties that can help hydrate the skin and improve its overall appearance. However, PEG-100 Stearate is often preferred for lighter formulations such as lotions and creams, as it has a lighter texture and is easily absorbed by the skin. On the other hand, PEG-150 Distearate is more suitable for richer formulations like body butters and ointments, as it provides a more occlusive barrier that locks in moisture.

Cleansing Abilities

When it comes to cleansing properties, PEG-100 Stearate and PEG-150 Distearate can both act as surfactants that help to remove dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin. However, PEG-150 Distearate is often preferred for cleansing products like facial cleansers and body washes, as it has better foaming and lathering capabilities compared to PEG-100 Stearate. This can provide a more luxurious and satisfying cleansing experience for consumers.

Skin Sensitivity

While both PEG-100 Stearate and PEG-150 Distearate are generally considered to be safe for use in skincare products, some individuals with sensitive skin may be more prone to irritation from these ingredients. PEG compounds can sometimes be contaminated with impurities like 1,4-dioxane, which is a known carcinogen. It is important for formulators to source high-quality PEG ingredients and conduct proper testing to ensure the safety and efficacy of their products.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PEG-100 Stearate and PEG-150 Distearate are both versatile ingredients that offer unique benefits for skincare and cosmetic formulations. While PEG-100 Stearate is preferred for lighter textures and moisturizing properties, PEG-150 Distearate excels in emulsifying and cleansing applications. Formulators should consider the specific needs of their products and target audience when choosing between these two ingredients to achieve the desired performance and sensory attributes.