Glycol Distearate
Pharcos EGDS
Also known as: EGDS | Ethylene Glycol Stearate Diester
Pharcos EGDS is a lipophilic diester synthesized from ethylene glycol and stearic acid. While it possesses very weak emulsification properties, its primary commercial function is purely visual and structural. When correctly crystallized within a surfactant matrix (like shampoo or liquid body wash), it creates brilliant, highly reflective, opaque white platelets that mimic the visual appearance of crushed pearls.
Quick Information
- Product Line:
- Personal Care
- Category:
- Pearlizing Agents
- Grade:
- Flakes
- CAS Number:
- 627-83-8
Key Applications
- Shampoo Pearlescence
- Hand Soap Opacifier
- Viscosity Modifier
- Liquid Laundry Detergents
How It Works
Because EGDS is highly hydrophobic and has a melting point of ~60-65°C, it must be melted into the hot surfactant phase during manufacturing.
As the batch cools below the melting point of the EGDS, the molecules become completely insoluble in the water/surfactant mixture. However, the surrounding surfactants (like SLES or CAPB) prevent the EGDS from forming a single solid lump. Instead, the EGDS is forced to precipitate (crystallize) into billions of microscopic, perfectly flat, uniform rectangular platelets. As light passes into the shampoo bottle, it reflects off these perfectly parallel microscopic mirrors, creating the characteristic swirling, pearlescent aesthetic.
Technical Information
Common questions about Glycol Distearate
Minimal. Its primary function is aesthetic differentiation. Consumers psychologically associate dense, pearlescent liquids with 'richness' and 'moisturization'.
The EGDS crystals are heavier than water and will eventually sink. To prevent this, the formulator must build structural viscosity (yield text) using salts or thickeners (like Pharcos CDEA or CMEA) to permanently suspend the heavy pearl crystals.
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