Question

What is the main component of Stearic Acid Polyoxyethylene Ether SG-40?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 硬脂酸聚氧乙烯醚SG-40

The main component of Stearic Acid Polyoxyethylene Ether SG-40 is polyoxyethylene (40) stearate, a nonionic surfactant formed by the polymerization of natural stearic acid (C16-C18 fatty acid) with approximately 40 ethylene oxide (EO) molecules.

Detailed Description

From the perspective of chemical structure, its general molecular formula is RO(CH₂CH₂O)ₙH (where R represents a C16-C18 fatty chain, n≈40). The core structure consists of two parts: a hydrophobic long-chain fatty acid group (derived from stearic acid) that provides lipophilicity; and a hydrophilic polyoxyethylene chain segment composed of about 40 ethylene oxide units. This amphiphilic molecular structure, with one end hydrophilic and the other lipophilic, endows SG-40 with excellent oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifying ability and surface activity.

According to the product standards of Guoli Chemical, the active substance content of this product is as high as 99% or more. The highest-purity active ingredient—polyoxyethylene (40) stearate monoester—accounts for ≥90%, diester by-products are controlled within 5%, and residual free stearic acid and polyethylene glycol are extremely low (free alcohol ≤1%), ensuring excellent performance and safety.

Key Component Technical Specifications

Parameter Item Specification Value Description
Chemical Name Polyoxyethylene (40) stearate INCI name: PEG-40 Stearate
CAS No. 9004-99-3 Globally unified chemical substance registration number
Molecular Formula RO(CH₂CH₂O)ₙH (R=C16-18, n=40) General structural formula
Active Content ≥99% Extremely high purity
Monoester Content ≥90% Core active component
Diester Content ≤5% By-product
Free Alcohol (PEG) ≤1% Extremely low residue
Ionic Type Nonionic Compatible with anionic/cationic/amphoteric systems
HLB Value 16-17 Highly hydrophilic, suitable for O/W emulsions

Application Advice

Because its main component is high-purity polyoxyethylene (40) stearate with an HLB value of 16-17, it is highly soluble in water and is especially suitable for preparing oil-in-water (O/W) creams, lotions, shampoos, and other daily chemical products, as well as textile softeners, metalworking emulsified oils, and pesticide aqueous emulsions. Its nonionic nature allows it to exert stable emulsifying and dispersing functions in acidic, alkaline, and high-salt systems.

Precautions

  • Storage and Moisture Protection: Although hygroscopicity is marked as "low," the polyoxyethylene chain segment still has some hydrophilicity. After opening, it must be resealed promptly and stored in a cool, dry place (recommended 5°C~35°C) to prevent caking.
  • Incompatibilities: It is chemically stable and resistant to acids, alkalis, and hard water, but should avoid storage or mixing with strong oxidizing agents to prevent degradation of the polyoxyethylene chain segment.
  • Regulatory Status: This ingredient is listed in China's "Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China," has a long history of use in cosmetics with a good safety record, and meets the requirements for conventional non-hazardous material storage and transportation.