PEG-24 Stearate is a general-purpose non-ionic surfactant. It is responsible for the effective combination of all the components in make-up cosmetics and care products. It also acts as a dispersant. It is used in products such as shaving foams, body lotions or hand and foot creams. Due to a number of advantages, it is readily used by formulators in the cosmetic industry.
PEG-24 Stearate belongs to the group of polyethylene glycols that are derivatives of fatty acids, mainly the stearic and palmitic acids. PEG-24 Stearate is the INCI name. INCI is an international nomenclature system for cosmetic ingredients that is governed by the EU law. An alternative chemical name of the compound is ethoxylated stearic acid. Its CAS number is 9004-99-3. In products, is primarily acts as a dispersant.
Basic physical and chemical properties of PEG-24 Stearate:
The compound features relatively weak foam producing properties. As compared to other surfactants belonging to the broad family of compounds called PEGs, it does not produce large and stable foams. On that account, PEG-24 Stearate is not recommended as a top cleaning ingredient. It plays a major role as an emulsifier and dispersant in many branches though. It has a particular relevance for the cosmetic industry, where PEG-24 Stearate is a component included in hair care preparations, antiperspirants, colour cosmetics, body lotions, under-eye creams, hand and foot creams and many other care and make-up cosmetics (including baby care products). As an emulsifier, PEG-24 Stearate is responsible for stabilising an emulsion. Most cosmetics require a combination of components that are often immiscible/incompatible with each other, such as essential oils. The surfactant enables this and at the same time, as a dispersant ensures even distribution of all the ingredients in the formulation, which largely improves the effective use of a given product. The use of dispersants is particularly important in make-up cosmetics, e.g. eye shadows. In such products, they are responsible for the even distribution of the pigment throughout the product.
