PEG-4 Lauryl Ether
Pharcos L 4
Also known as: Polyoxyethylene 4 Lauryl Ether | Macrogol Lauryl Ether 4 | Polidocanol 4
Pharcos L 4 operates at an HLB of roughly 9.7, meaning it is perfectly balanced right on the edge of water solubility (it forms a milky dispersion in pure water). In personal care, it is a primary emulsifier for roll-on deodorants and a powerful dispersant for blooming bath oils. Industrially, it is uniquely capable of solubilizing heavy hydrocarbon solvents (like D-Limonene or mineral spirits) into water-based degreasing formulations.
Quick Information
- Product Line:
- Personal Care
- Category:
- Emulsifiers
- Grade:
- Liquid
- CAS Number:
- 68439-50-9
Key Applications
- Deodorant Emulsifier
- Bath Oil Dispersant
- Industrial Solvent Solubilizer
- Textile Lubricant
How It Works
With 4 moles of ethylene oxide, Laureth-4 functions as a powerful intermediary between completely hydrophobic oils and water.
In roll-on deodorants, the formulation often contains astringent aluminum salts dissolved in water, alongside skin-conditioning silicones or ester oils. Laureth-4 acts as the critical bridge. The linear lauryl tail dissolves easily in the ester oil phase, while the 4-mole PEG head group is just hydrophilic enough to anchor stably into the highly ionic, salty water phase. Unlike higher ethoxylates (which would be destroyed by the salt content), Laureth-4 maintains a stable emulsion, preventing the deodorant from separating in the bottle.
Technical Information
Common questions about PEG-4 Lauryl Ether
At an HLB of 9.7, Laureth-4 is not fully water-soluble. It is designed to be an emulsifier (mixing oil and water), not a water-clear solubilizer. If you need a clear solution of pure surfactant in water, you must use Laureth-9 or higher.
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