Glyceryl Stearate and PEG-100 Stearate
Pharcos A 165
Also known as: Arlacel 165 Equivalent | Glyceryl Monostearate/PEG 100 Stearate Blend
Pharcos A 165 constitutes a highly versatile, pre-blended emulsifying system combining lipophilic Glyceryl Stearate with highly hydrophilic PEG-100 Stearate. It is considered an industry-standard base for premium, bright-white cosmetic creams. Its primary advantage is absolute acid stability, making it the emulsifier of choice for formulations containing difficult, low-pH active ingredients like Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), salicylic acid, or aluminum salts (antiperspirants).
Quick Information
- Product Line:
- Personal Care
- Category:
- Emulsifiers
- Grade:
- Self-Emulsifying Acid Stable
- CAS Number:
- 123-94-4, 9004-99-3
Key Applications
- Creams & Lotions
- Hair Conditioners
- Antiperspirants
- AHA/BHA Skin Care
How It Works
This product functions via the formation of a highly structured, synergistic emulsifier pair. The Glyceryl Stearate (HLB ~3.8) embeds deeply into the oil phase, while the massive PEG-100 Stearate polymer (HLB ~18.8) extends extensively into the water phase.
Together, they create a balanced, intermediate HLB system (~11.0) that forms a dense, tightly packed liquid-crystalline network at the oil-water interface. Because PEG-100 Stearate is an ether-linked polymer, the entire gel network is sterically shielded from hydrogen ion (H+) attack. This steric hindrance completely prevents the emulsion from breaking down or separating even when the bulk water phase is pushed to extremely acidic pH levels (pH 3.0 - 4.5).
Technical Information
Common questions about Glyceryl Stearate and PEG-100 Stearate
The manufacturer co-melts and crystallizes these two components under specific cooling rates to create an intimately mixed, homogeneous flake. Attempting to mix the individual raw materials in the lab often results in improper lamellar network formation and reduced stability.
No, Pharcos A 165 is 'self-emulsifying'. Because it already contains both the lipophilic and hydrophilic components matched at the perfect ratio, it can act as the sole emulsifier in most standard creams.
The high steric bulk of the PEG-100 chain gives emulsions a very elegant, soft, non-soaping, and slightly powdery after-feel on the skin.
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