PEG-6 is a surfactant that, in its applications, mainly acts as an emulsifier, wetting agent and also a dispersing agent. Due to its properties, PEG-6 has a wide range of industrial applications, from personal care cosmetics to self-hardening concretes. Due to their unique advantages, PEG-6 commercial products are eagerly chosen by consumers.
The chemical compound named PEG-6 in the INCI taxonomy is a derivative resulting from the ethoxylation of polyethylene glycol with six moles of ethylene oxide. Chemically, it is a synthetic substance that is a product of ethylene oxide polymerization. The chemical name of PEG-6 is polyoxyethylene glycol. The CAS number of this compound, thanks to which it can be easily found, for example in the catalogues of chemical wholesalers, is 25322-68-3.
PEG-6 is a non-ionic surfactant. At room temperature, it is a liquid with a faint smell. The colour in the Hazen scale, i.e. a scale based on the assessment and comparison of the colours of liquid platinum-cobalt standards with the analysed compounds, for PEG-6 reaches a maximum value of 30. The pH of a 10% aqueous solution is in the range from 4.6 to 7.4. In a commercial product, such as POLIkol 300, offered by the PCC Group, the content of the main ingredient, i.e. PEG-6, exceeds 99%. The amount of water as an impurity is not higher than 0.5%, and the molar mass is about 300 g/mol. The density of PEG-6 at 20ᵒC is about 1.13 g/ml. Its solidification occurs when the temperature drops below 0ᵒC, while the substance ignites above 137ᵒC. PEG-6 dissolves very well in water, and due to its chemical nature and molecular structure, it forms proper solutions together with low aliphatic alcohols, diethyl ether or chloroform. PEG-6 is also characterized by good alkali resistance and strong hygroscopic properties. As a result of its hygroscopicity, PEG-6 not only dissolves very well in water, but also absorbs moisture from the air.
The function of PEG-6 in cosmetic skin care formulations is mainly based on its action as a solvent for active substances. Moreover, its softening and anti-electrostatic properties are also used in cosmetics. These features are especially useful in all kinds of hair care products, such as shampoos or conditioners. Due to the content of PEG-6 in such products, after application, the refreshing effect is visible and they prevent excessive tangling of the hair. PEG-6, being a highly hygroscopic substance, acts as a solubilizer and humectant. It binds water on the surface where it is used. Thanks to this, it prevents water loss, e.g. through the skin, and ensures that the hydration is kept at a constant level. It can also be effectively used to modify the rheology of active substances.
PEG-6 is a representative of surfactants that are used in the construction industry. Very good hygroscopic properties mean that, as one of the components of building mixtures, it prevents excessive water loss and improves the bonding of the material. PEG-6 is also used for hardening concrete and cement mortars – by maintaining the right proportions when dosing, it is possible to significantly increase the mechanical strength of the already hardened concrete. It can also be used in the design of self-hardening concretes.
The anti-electrostatic properties of PEG-6 are not only used in hair care products, but also in industrial cleaning and metalworking processes.
PEG-6 is one of the ingredients of preparations used in the agrochemical industry. It has the unique ability to bind to water molecules, which is why it is said to be highly hygroscopic. Thanks to this, it is suitable for the production of, for example, plant fertilizers.
In the chemical industry, PEG-6 is one of the raw materials for the production of esters.
The American Food and Drug Agency (FDA) has approved PEG-6 for indirect food contact based on CFR 21 lists: 175.105, 175.210, 176.180, 176.200.
