PEG 600 Monolaurate
PEG 600 Monolaurate is a non-ionic polyethylene glycol fatty acid ester.
It is a hydrophilic surfactant used primarily as an oil-in-water emulsifier, co-emulsifier, wetting agent and dispersing aid. Its polyethylene glycol component provides greater affinity for aqueous systems than lower-molecular-weight PEG monolaurates, while the laurate group provides compatibility with oils and other hydrophobic materials.
Product Information
Chemical family: Polyethylene glycol fatty acid ester / laurate ester
Chemical name: Polyethylene Glycol 600 Monolaurate
Common name: PEG 600 Monolaurate / PEG 600 ML
INCI name: PEG-12 Laurate
Type: Non-ionic O/W emulsifier / wetting agent / dispersing aid
Appearance: Pale-yellow liquid, depending on grade and temperature
HLB: Typically approximately 14; exact value is grade- and method-dependent
Solubility: Water-dispersible, with solubility dependent on grade and formulation conditions
Packaging: Drums / IBC / Bulk
Main functions
Oil-in-water emulsification
Supports the formation and stabilisation of O/W emulsions
Co-emulsification
Can be combined with other surfactants to achieve the required emulsifier balance and improve formulation stability
Wetting
Helps aqueous formulations spread across and penetrate hydrophobic surfaces
Dispersion
Supports the uniform distribution of oils, pigments and other hydrophobic ingredients within formulated systems
Solubilisation
Can assist the incorporation of limited quantities of oils and oil-soluble ingredients into aqueous formulations
Surface-active functionality
Reduces interfacial tension and supports improved compatibility between oil and water phases
Typical Uses by Industry
Personal Care & Cosmetics
Used as a non-ionic emulsifier and co-emulsifier in creams, lotions and other oil-in-water formulations
Assists with the inclusion and dispersion of oils, fragrances and other hydrophobic ingredients
Used in cleansing, haircare and skincare formulations
Helps support product consistency and emulsion stability
Paints & Emulsion Polymerisation
Used as a non-ionic emulsifier in selected paint, latex and emulsion-polymerisation systems
Helps disperse hydrophobic raw materials within water-based formulations
Can support particle distribution and emulsion stability during processing
Detergents & Cleaning
Used as an emulsifier, wetting agent and dispersing aid in cleaning formulations
Suspends and disperses oily soils in aqueous cleaning systems
Can be combined with other compatible surfactants to support wetting and detergency
Textiles
Used as an emulsifier and wetting agent in textile-processing formulations
Helps disperse oils, waxes and other hydrophobic processing ingredients
Can support uniform wetting and application of aqueous treatment systems
Industrial & Technical
Suitable for industrial emulsions, aqueous dispersions and speciality surface-active formulations
Used where hydrophilic non-ionic emulsification and wetting performance are required