PEG-3 Distearate
Pharcos PEG 3 DS
Also known as: Polyoxyethylene 3 Distearate | Macrogol 3 Distearate
Pharcos PEG 3 DS is a diester formed by reacting Stearic Acid with a short 3-mole PEG chain. It serves a very similar aesthetic function to Ethylene Glycol Distearate (EGDS), acting as a primary pearlizer in shampoos, body washes, and liquid soaps. However, because of the slightly longer PEG chain, its melting point (~45-50°C) is distinctly lower than EGDS (~65°C), making it significantly easier to melt and incorporate into formulations without requiring intense high-heat processing.
Quick Information
- Product Line:
- Personal Care
- Category:
- Pearlizing Agents
- Grade:
- Flakes
- CAS Number:
- 9005-08-7
Key Applications
- Cold-Process Pearlizer
- Shampoo Opacifier
- Viscosity Modifier
- Liquid Hand Soap
How It Works
Like EGDS, the pearl effect depends on forced crystallization.
The PEG 3 DS is melted into the warm surfactant base. As the batch is slowly cooled under gentle agitation, the molecules drop out of solubility. The unique dual-tail structure, separated by a flexible 3-mole PEG bridge, forces the precipitating wax to stack neatly into billions of perfectly flat, uniform, microscopic rectangular plates. When suspended in the liquid matrix, light bounces off these parallel plates, mimicking the natural interference pattern of crushed pearls or mother-of-pearl.
Technical Information
Common questions about PEG-3 Distearate
Lower energy costs. Since it melts at a significantly lower temperature than EGDS, manufacturers can save considerable time and utility costs by not having to heat massive multi-ton mixing tanks up to 75°C.
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