PEG 400 Distearate
PEG 400 Distearate is a non-ionic fatty acid ester.
The product contains two stearate groups associated with a polyethylene glycol chain of approximately 400 average molecular weight. It combines affinity for oils with greater hydrophilic character than the corresponding PEG 200 and PEG 300 distearates.
PEG 400 Distearate is used as an emulsifier, co-emulsifier, dispersing aid, consistency modifier and lubricant in personal-care, textile, metalworking and industrial formulations.
Product Information
Chemical family: Polyethylene glycol fatty acid diester / stearate ester
Chemical name: Polyethylene Glycol 400 Distearate
Type: Non-ionic surfactant / emulsifier / co-emulsifier
Appearance: Waxy solid, flakes or pastilles, depending on grade and specification
Solubility: Generally not freely soluble in water; dispersibility and compatibility depend on temperature and formulation composition
Packaging: Bags / Drums / IBC / Bulk
Main functions
Emulsification
Supports the formation and stabilisation of emulsions, particularly oil-in-water systems
Co-emulsification
Can be combined with other surfactants to adjust the overall emulsifying properties of a formulation
Dispersion
Helps distribute oils, pigments and other hydrophobic ingredients more uniformly
Consistency modification
Can contribute body, structure and viscosity to emulsified and semi-solid products
Opacifying support
Can increase opacity and contribute a richer, creamier appearance
Lubricity
Helps reduce friction and improve slip in textile, metalworking and industrial applications
Non-ionic character
Offers compatibility with a broad range of surfactants and formulation ingredients
Typical Uses by Industry
Personal Care & Cosmetics
Used as an emulsifier or co-emulsifier in selected creams, lotions and other oil-in-water formulations
Can contribute to product structure, consistency and emollient character
Helps disperse oily and lipophilic ingredients
Provides opacifying and conditioning effects in skin-care, hair-care and cleansing formulations
Household & Institutional Products
Used as an emulsifier, dispersing aid and consistency modifier in cleaners, polishes and wax-based formulations
Helps incorporate oily ingredients into water-based systems
Can contribute to formulation body, opacity and stability
Textiles
Used as a lubricant, emulsifier and processing aid in selected textile formulations
Helps disperse oils, waxes and other processing ingredients
Can reduce friction and support fibre handling during manufacturing operations
Metalworking & Lubricants
Used as an emulsifier, lubricity additive and dispersing aid in metalworking-fluid and lubricant formulations
Helps incorporate oils and functional additives into emulsified systems
Can contribute wetting, film formation and friction reduction
Industrial & Technical
Used in emulsions, dispersions, polishes, coatings and speciality chemical formulations
Can function as a non-ionic emulsifier, process aid and consistency modifier
Suitability depends on the required emulsion type, formulation composition and processing conditions