Question

In which industries and processes is G-25 Glycereth-25 primarily used?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 G-25甘油聚氧乙烯25醚

G-25 Glycereth-25 is a multifunctional nonionic surfactant widely used in six major industries: personal care, textiles, metalworking, industrial cleaning, emulsion polymerization, and pesticide formulations, primarily performing key process functions such as emulsification, solubilization, moisturizing, lubrication, and dispersion.

Detailed Description

G-25 Glycereth-25 is a nonionic surfactant produced by the precisely controlled polymerization reaction of natural glycerin with ethylene oxide. Its INCI name is Glycereth-25, and its CAS number is 31694-55-0. Its molecular structure contains both polyhydrophilic groups and polyoxyethylene chains, giving it a very high hydrophilic-lipophilic balance. It remains stable over a wide pH range and is resistant to acids, alkalis, and electrolytes, with excellent hard water resistance.

With its outstanding emulsifying and solubilizing capabilities, superior moisturizing and emollient properties, excellent chemical stability, and mild, safe toxicological profile (rat oral LD50 > 5000 mg/kg, classified as practically non-toxic), this product has become a key functional component in formulations across numerous industries. The specific application processes for each industry are detailed below.

Detailed Explanation of Major Application Industries and Processes

1. Cosmetics and Personal Care

G-25 is most widely used in this field, primarily playing three process roles:

  • Efficient Solubilizer: Used in transparent makeup removers, skincare serums, perfumes, and gels, it provides significant solubilization effects for fragrances, essential oils, and poorly soluble active ingredients, resulting in a transparent and stable product appearance.
  • O/W Emulsifier: As a mild emulsifier in creams, lotions, and cleansing oils, it effectively reduces the oil-water interfacial tension, forming a stable and fine dispersion system.
  • Moisturizing Additive: Used in rinse-off products such as shampoos and body washes, its molecular structure has good affinity with the skin's natural moisturizing factors, enhancing the post-wash feeling of hydration and providing a smooth, non-sticky tactile experience.

2. Textile Industry

In the textile field, G-25 is mainly applied in two process stages: first, as a key component in spinning oils for synthetic fibers, providing excellent antistatic and bundling properties to ensure smooth spinning; second, as a softening agent in fabric finishing processes, imparting a fluffy and smooth hand feel to synthetic fibers and blends, while reducing static electricity generated by fiber friction, thereby improving wearing comfort.

3. Metalworking Fluids

G-25 serves dual functions as an emulsifier and lubricant in water-based metal cutting fluids, grinding fluids, and hydraulic fluids. It forms a stable working emulsion, effectively dispersing processing heat, reducing friction coefficient and wear, improving machining accuracy, and extending tool life. Its excellent hard water resistance ensures long-term stability of the working fluid under poor water quality conditions, preventing demulsification caused by calcium and magnesium ions.

4. Industrial Cleaners

As a low-foaming or controlled-foaming nonionic surfactant, G-25 is suitable for high-pressure spray cleaning and immersion cleaning of hard surfaces such as metal parts, glass, and plastics. Its excellent wetting, penetrating, and solubilizing abilities effectively remove oils and dirt, and it is easily rinsed off without residue. Its low-foaming characteristic makes it particularly suitable for high-pressure spray systems, avoiding foam overflow issues.

5. Emulsion Polymerization

In the emulsion polymerization of synthetic resins, coatings, and adhesives, G-25 is used as an emulsifier and stabilizer. It helps uniformly disperse monomers in the aqueous phase and controls the latex particle size distribution, thereby enhancing the storage stability, mechanical stability, and film-forming properties of the final product. This application fully utilizes the electrolyte tolerance advantage brought by its nonionic nature.

6. Pesticide Formulations

G-25 is used as an emulsifier and spreading synergist in water-based pesticide formulations (e.g., emulsifiable concentrates, emulsions in water, suspension concentrates). On one hand, it assists in dissolving poorly soluble technical materials and forming stable emulsions; on the other hand, it significantly enhances the wetting and spreading ability of the spray liquid on plant leaves, increasing coverage area and improving the effective utilization rate and control efficacy of pesticides.

Technical Parameters

ParameterDescription
Product NameG-25 Glycereth-25
INCI NameGlycereth-25
CAS Number31694-55-0
Ionic TypeNonionic Surfactant
Chemical CompositionPolyether of glycerin and ethylene oxide (25 EO)
AppearanceColorless to slightly yellow liquid or paste
pH Stability RangeStable over a wide pH range (resistant to acids, alkalis, and electrolytes)
Toxicological ClassificationPractically non-toxic (LD50 > 5000 mg/kg)
BiodegradabilityReadily and rapidly biodegradable (OECD 301F, >60% degradation in 28 days)
Skin IrritationNon-irritating (Rabbit, Primary Irritation Index = 0)
Eye IrritationMildly irritating (reversible within 48 hours)

Note: Please refer to the product Certificate of Analysis (COA) for specific physicochemical index ranges.

Application Recommendations

  • Personal Care Formulations: It is recommended to add G-25 during the cooling phase of formulation (below 40°C). When used as a solubilizer, attention should be paid to the addition order; typically, pre-mix G-25 with oil-soluble components first, then slowly add to the aqueous phase.
  • Metalworking Fluids: Recommended dosage should be adjusted based on the base oil type, typically 3%-8% of the total formulation. Combining with anionic emulsifiers can further enhance emulsion stability.
  • Industrial Cleaning: When used as the main surfactant, the recommended dosage is 1%-5% of the total cleaning solution. Its low-foaming characteristic eliminates the need for additional defoamers.
  • Emulsion Polymerization: Recommended dosage is 1%-3% of the total monomer amount, resulting in a latex system with uniform particle size distribution.
  • Pesticide Formulations: It is recommended to use G-25 in combination with anionic emulsifiers (e.g., calcium salts) to synergistically enhance emulsion stability and liquid adhesion.

Notes and Precautions

  • Storage Conditions: Store at temperatures between 10°C and 40°C, avoid freezing and prolonged high-temperature exposure to sunlight, and prevent product moisture absorption and deterioration. Keep containers tightly sealed.
  • Handling Protection: Although the product has extremely low irritation, it is still recommended to wear impermeable gloves and chemical safety goggles during handling to avoid prolonged or repeated contact.
  • Physical Form Changes: The appearance of this product may transition between liquid and paste depending on temperature, which is a normal physical phenomenon and does not affect performance. If the product is in a paste form before use, it can be gently warmed to 30-40°C to restore fluidity.
  • Incompatible Substances: Avoid storage or direct mixing with incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers, strong acids, and strong alkalis.
  • Detailed Safety Information: Be sure to consult the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) before use.