What are the main characteristics of G-18 glycerol polyoxyethylene ether (polyoxyethyl glycerol ether)?

G-18 glycerol polyoxyethylene ether is a nonionic surfactant that combines a glycerol backbone with polyoxyethylene chains. Its core features include high hydrophilicity, excellent emulsifying and solubilizing ability, broad chemical stability, and mild, low irritation properties.

Detailed Description

G-18 glycerol polyoxyethylene ether (INCI name: Glycereth-18, CAS number: 31694-55-0) appears as a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid. Its molecular structure uniquely integrates a glycerol backbone with a polyoxyethylene chain consisting of 18 EO (ethylene oxide) units. This structural design endows it with both the mild moisturizing properties of glycerol and the excellent hydrophilicity of polyoxyethylene chains, giving it an important position among nonionic surfactants.

In terms of performance, this product exhibits four core advantages: First, high hydrophilicity and solubilizing ability, where the polyoxyethylene chain imparts excellent water solubility, effectively solubilizing various oils, fragrances, and active ingredients; Second, excellent emulsifying and dispersing properties, which rapidly reduce interfacial tension, promote the stable formation of O/W emulsions, and enhance the wetting and dispersion efficiency of powders and pigments in liquid media; Third, outstanding chemical stability, maintaining stable performance in acidic, alkaline, and hard water environments, making it highly adaptable in formulations; Fourth, mild and low irritation, based on the glycerol ether structure, it is relatively gentle to the skin and eyes, with certain moisturizing properties, making it especially suitable for personal care formulations.

From an application perspective, G-18 is widely used across six major areas: cosmetics and personal care products (creams, lotions, facial cleansers, makeup removers), textile industry (antistatic agents and softeners), metalworking fluids (cutting fluids, grinding fluids, rust preventives), coatings and inks (wetting and dispersing agents), industrial cleaning agents, and polyurethane foam (foam stabilizers). It is truly a multifunctional surfactant.

Technical Parameters

Application Suggestions

• Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: Used as an O/W emulsifier and solubilizer, suitable for creams, lotions, facial cleansers, and makeup remover formulations. It significantly enhances the mildness and skin feel of products while offering good solubilization of fragrances and active ingredients.
• Textile Industry: Used as an antistatic agent and softener, effectively eliminating static charge accumulation on fibers, imparting a soft and smooth handfeel to fabrics, and improving spinnability in subsequent processing.
• Metalworking Fluids: Suitable for cutting fluids, grinding fluids, and rust preventive formulations, providing both lubrication and anti-rust functions, reducing friction and wear on metal surfaces.
• Coatings and Inks: As an efficient wetting and dispersing agent, it promotes uniform dispersion of pigments and fillers, prevents flocculation and sedimentation, and enhances film gloss and tinting strength.
• Industrial Cleaning Agents: Applicable for hard surface cleaning and industrial degreasing formulations, with efficient removal of various oily soils.
• Polyurethane Foam: As a foam stabilizer component, it helps control cell structure, improving foam uniformity and physical properties.

Precautions

This product is classified under GHS as skin irritant (H315) and serious eye irritant (H319). During handling, always wear protective gloves and safety goggles, use in a well-ventilated area, and avoid direct contact with skin and eyes. In case of accidental contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes (for eyes, keep eyelids open), and seek medical attention if necessary. Recommended storage temperature is 5-30°C; keep the container tightly closed, away from heat sources and strong oxidizing agents. For detailed safety information, refer to the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS).