PEG-60 is a compound belonging to the group of polyethylene glycols. It has softening, lubricating, moisturising, thickening and anti-electrostatic properties. Due to its properties, it has been used in several industries, including the food industry, cosmetics industry and plastics industry.
PEG-60 is the INCI name of a compound belonging to the group of polyoxyethylene glycols, CAS number: 25322-68-3. The primary functions of PEG-60 in products are emulsification and acting as a wetting agent. PEG-60 can be purchased from the wide range of products in the PCC Group under the trade name POLIkol 3000.
At room temperature, PEG-60 is a white to light yellow wax with a slight odour. The colour of a 25% aqueous solution reaches a maximum value of 30 in the Hazen scale. On the other hand, the pH of a more diluted solution, about 10%, ranges from 4.6 to 7.4 – it is slightly acidic to neutral. PEG-60 as a commercial product – POLIkol 3000 – contains over 99% of the main component, and the content of other substances, mainly water, reaches a maximum value of 1%. The molar mass of PEG-60 is approx. 3000 g/mol. This compound is well soluble in water, as well as in organic solvents such as low aliphatic alcohols, ethyl ether or chloroform. The freezing point of PEG-60 is approx. 55ᵒC.
PEG-60 is one of the ingredients used to create bubble baths. It has a moisturising, but no direct effect. The use of products containing PEG-60 protects the skin against excessive water loss, due to the fact that this compound forms a thin film, a so-called occlusive layer. It prevents the evaporation of water from the skin surface. As a result, the product prevents the skin from quickly drying out and from soap stains.
PEG-60 can also be found in creams, hair styling products, and make-up cosmetics, such as eye-liners. It mainly acts as a plasticizer. Plasticizers such as PEG-60 give cosmetics primarily elasticity. Thanks to plasticizers, cosmetics, e.g. eye shadows, do not grind. Plasticizers are also used as solvents allowing the incorporation of other substances into cosmetic formulations.
Due to its lubricating properties, PEG-60 is a component of lubricants, mainly water-soluble synthetic machining fluids. The use of such liquids is necessary in the machining process, because high temperatures occur at the point of contact of the cutting tool with the surface of the work piece, and cooling liquids are used to reduce heat emission.
In the rubber, plastic and elastomer processing industries, PEG-60 is used as a release agent. It facilitates the release of elements from molds. By reducing the adhesion of materials to the molds, it is possible to improve the manufacturing process, shape the element without damage and protect the mold.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved PEG-60 for use in the food industry. It should be noted that it is an indirect food additive based on the CFR 21 lists: 175.105, 175.210, 176.180, 176.200. One should also remember to use the product in accordance with the definitions provided by the organization, remembering not to exceed the maximum permissible dosage.
PEG-60 is also used in the production of ceramics and concrete. It acts as a plasticizer, similarly as in some cosmetic products, and also acts as a binding agent.
Below is a brief summary of products containing PEG-60:
