PEG-150 Distearate
Pharcos PEG 150 DS
Also known as: PEG 6000 Distearate | Polyoxyethylene 150 Distearate | Macrogol 6000 Distearate
Pharcos PEG 150 DS (also known chemically as PEG 6000 Distearate due to the molecular weight of the PEG core) is a highly specialized, water-soluble associative thickener. It is the gold standard for thickening ultra-mild surfactant bases—like those utilizing glucosides or amino acid surfactants (e.g., Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate)—which famously resist thickening with traditional cheap salt (NaCl). It is the primary thickener in almost all commercial 'tear-free' baby shampoos.
Quick Information
- Product Line:
- Personal Care
- Category:
- Thickeners
- Grade:
- Flakes
- CAS Number:
- 9005-08-7
Key Applications
- Sulfate-Free Shampoos
- Baby Tear-Free Washes
- Facial Cleansers
- Rheology Modifier
How It Works
Thickening occurs via an 'associative network' mechanism.
The molecule features an enormous, highly hydrophilic PEG-150 polymer core, capped on both ends by intensely hydrophobic C18 stearic tails. When added to a baby shampoo, the two stearic tails physically insert themselves into two completely different, separate surfactant micelles. Because the massive PEG-150 chain bridges these two micelles together, adding just 0.5-2.0% of this polymer forms a vast, interconnected, three-dimensional web of linked micelles across the entire liquid. This massive internal friction results in a luxuriously thick, honey-like flow.
Technical Information
Common questions about PEG-150 Distearate
You exceeded the peak of the 'salt curve'. Because PEG-150 DS acts synergistically with salt (NaCl), if your base already has salt in it, adding too much PEG-150 DS can actually push the viscosity backwards, breaking the micellar structure and causing the liquid to thin out drastically.
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