PEG-8 Distearate
Pharcos PEG 8 DS
Also known as: Polyoxyethylene 8 Distearate | Macrogol 400 Distearate | PEG 400 DS
Pharcos PEG 8 DS (PEG 400 Distearate) possesses an HLB of approximately 8.5. Unlike the high-molecular-weight thickeners (like PEG 150 DS), this diester is essentially water-insoluble. It is utilized in cosmetics as a co-emulsifier and structural viscosity builder in heavy creams and opaque hair rinses. Industrially, its intensely waxy structure makes it a highly effective boundary lubricant for textile fiber spinning and metal wire-drawing operations.
Quick Information
- Product Line:
- Personal Care
- Category:
- Thickeners
- Grade:
- Solid / Paste
- CAS Number:
- 9005-08-7
Key Applications
- Viscosity Builder (Low HLB)
- Hair Conditioner Structurant
- W/O Emulsion Stabilizer
- Industrial Lubricant
How It Works
As a co-emulsifier, the dual-tail structure of PEG 400 DS spans the oil-water interface.
The two C18 stearic tails bury deeply into the dispersed oil droplet, while the flexible PEG-8 'bridge' arcs into the water phase. Because it has two lipophilic tails, its geometry resembles a cylinder rather than a cone. This promotes the formation of flat, lamellar gel networks (liquid crystals) around the oil droplets during cooling. These rigid lamellar networks lock the water phase in place, drastically increasing the viscosity of the cream and providing superior long-term emulsion stability against heat and shear.
Technical Information
Common questions about PEG-8 Distearate
PEG 150 DS (PEG 6000 DS) is a massive, water-soluble polymer that thickens entirely via micellar entanglement in water. PEG 8 DS (PEG 400 DS) is lipophilic; it thickens by creating rigid lipid structures (lamellar gels) within the oil/water boundary.
Related Products
Interested in this product?
Contact our technical team for detailed specifications, samples, or pricing information.