Glycol Stearate
Pharcos EGMS
Also known as: EGMS | Ethylene Glycol Monostearate | Ethylene Glycol Stearate Monoester
Pharcos EGMS acts as the monoester counterpart to EGDS. Because it only possesses one stearic acid tail (rather than two), it contains a free, unreacted hydroxyl group. This makes EGMS slightly more hydrophilic than EGDS. Consequently, rather than crystallizing into large, flat, shiny 'pearls', it tends to precipitate into billions of tiny, matte micro-crystals. This makes it an exceptional opacifier, transforming a cheap, watery clear liquid into a product that visually resembles a thick, expensive white lotion.
Quick Information
- Product Line:
- Personal Care
- Category:
- Opacifiers
- Grade:
- Flakes
- CAS Number:
- 111-60-4
Key Applications
- Opaque Body Washes
- Cream Shampoos
- Emulsion Stabilizer
- Industrial Hand Cleansers
How It Works
EGMS (HLB ~2.0-3.0) functions as a dense, waxy barrier within oil-in-water emulsions.
In surfactant systems, the mechanism of opacity is forced precipitation. The EGMS is melted into the SLES base at 75°C. As the soap cools, the EGMS 'crashes out' of solubility. Because of the free hydroxyl group, it interacts more strongly with the water phase than EGDS, causing it to flocculate into very tight, tiny crystalline spheres rather than large flat plates. These microscopic spheres scatter light violently in all directions (Mie scattering), resulting in an incredibly dense, solid white, non-reflective (matte) visual appearance.
Technical Information
Common questions about Glycol Stearate
While it can provide a very faint, dull sheen under specific cooling conditions, it is not engineered for brilliance. If you want a shiny, swirling pearl effect, use EGDS. If you want a solid, dense, flat white cream aesthetic, use EGMS.
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