GLYCERETH-12 is a derivative of glycerin used in several key industries. The principal advantages of the product include high reactivity, very good water solubility and effectiveness. In industrial applications, it primarily acts as an emulsifier, dispersant and stabiliser.
GLYCERETH-12 is a non-ionic surfactant with the CAS number 31694-55-0, which belongs to the group of ethoxylated glycerins with an average degree off ethoxylation of approx. 12 moles. GLYCERETH-12 is the name given to the compound in the international nomenclature for cosmetic ingredients, INCI. Chemical names are also used for the substance, including polyoxyethylene triol or ethoxylated glycerin.
At temperatures of 20 – 25ᵒC, GLYCERETH-12 is a liquid with an oily consistency and a faint odour. The colour of the compound reaches a maximum of 4 (over a temperature range of 20 to 25ᵒC) on the Gardner scale (a dedicated scale for determining the colours of oils, varnishes, fatty acids or resins). GLYCERETH-12 is well soluble in water. It easily solves in low aliphatic alcohols such as methanol or ethanol and in acetone. Its density is approx. 1.13 g/ml (at 20ᵒC). GLYCERETH-12 solidifies at temperatures below -5ᵒC and boils at temperatures exceeding 200ᵒC (the substance ignites over 270ᵒC).
In regards to the chemical constitution, GLYCERETH-12 is considered to be a polymer with three hydrophilic groups. Its polarity is specified by the HLB figure (hydrophile-lipophile balance), which is approx. 17 for GLYCERETH-12. On that account, the substance is an excellent emulsifier for O/W (oil-in-water) emulsions. As an emulsifier, it makes it possible to combine two immiscible phases. Emulsifiers such as GLYCERETH-12 have a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part, that position themselves at the interface to reduce the surface tension and enable molecules that differ in their chemical nature to combine and form a stable emulsion.
GLYCERETH-12 is also used as a cross-linking agent. For that reason, it is used to produce compounds in the group of polyesters and polyurethanes. As a cross-linker, it helps to form “bridges” between different chemical molecules, forming three-dimensional structures. Moreover, GLYCERETH-12 is an excellent ingredient of adhesives. It is both an adhesive agent and maintains the desired level of moisture in adhesives. Other industrial applications of GLYCERETH-12 include its use in paint production processes. It acts as a pigment dispersant and also ensures stable consistency of a paint. It can be successfully modified further, e.g. using fatty acids. This is due to its relatively high reactivity.
Similarly to many surfactants, GLYCERETH-12 is used in the cosmetic industry. It is rarely used in the production of colour cosmetics (those for make-up). It is primarily used in personal hygiene products. The relatively high hydrophilicity of the molecules of GLYCERTH-12 make it an excellent humectant, i.e. an agent that retains moisture. Moreover, the substance is capable of changing the rheology of a product, i.e. modifying its viscosity. Viscosity and thickening agents are essential for cosmetic products, as they ensure the desired consistency as well as application and performance properties. GLYCERETH-12 is also a solvent for essential oils. It is also used as a component of hair sprays.
GLYCERETH-12 is used in several key industries:
