The surfactant with an INCI name of PEG-135 belongs to the group of substances called polyoxyethylene glycols. It is mostly used as a softening and anti-electrostatic agent for a number of applications in household chemicals, ceramic, paper, cosmetic and metal industries.
PEG-135 belongs to the group of compounds called polyoxyethylene glycols. As an ingredient of a range of products with numerous applications, it mostly acts as an emulsifier and moisturising agent. The CAS number of the compound is 25322-68-3.
The compound is used in products of the cosmetic industry such as lipsticks, lip liners, moisturising creams, anti-wrinkle creams and hair styling products. It acts as a lubricant in them, thus increasing the efficiency of their performance. It also retains moisture. Thus, products that contain PEG-135 do not dry out the skin, but rather help maintain the right level of moisture, which makes the skin look healthy and nourished. As an additive, it improves the rheological properties of a formulations (increasing the viscosity).
In detergents such as dishwasher tablets, laundry tables or bath salts, PEG-135 is a carrier of active substances and acts as a binding agent.
In industry, PEG-135 is used as an ingredient of lubricants. Those are mostly water-soluble synthetic machining fluids and heat transfer fluids. Such preparations are primarily used in machining processes, where e.g. metal elements rub against each other. Such preparations that contain e.g. PEG-135 effectively help carry away the generated heat and also protect machine components from excessive wear.
PEG-135 is also an ancillary ingredient used in the plastics industry, in particular in tyre production processes, where it is used as an anti-adhesive agent facilitating the separation of the cast from the mould. The use of PEG-135 prevents the wear of the mould and mechanical damage to the casts. That also increases the effectiveness and efficiency of the entire manufacturing process.
Other applications of PEG-135 include electrolytic coating processes, ancillary agents in textile treatments, additives for paints, production processes for ceramics and food packaging (the roles of a plasticiser and binding agent), food additives (PEG-135 is an indirect food additive) and additives for adhesives.