Product Introduction

Glycerol polyether-26, also known as Glycereth-26, is a polyethylene glycol ether of glycerol commonly used in the cosmetic industry, it is created through the ethoxylation of glycerol utilizing ethylene oxide, a process that results in a water-soluble ingredient with varied applications [2]. The number 26 signifies the average number of ethylene oxide units added to the glycerol molecule, dictating its molecular weight and properties. It functions as a humectant, emollient, and viscosity modifier [3].

Production Process

The production of Glycereth-26 involves reacting glycerol with ethylene oxide under controlled conditions, usually using a catalyst; this ethoxylation process results in the addition of ethylene oxide units to the glycerol molecule [4]. The reaction is carefully monitored to ensure that the average number of ethylene oxide units added reaches 26, defining the final product, and after the reaction is complete, the mixture is purified to remove any unreacted materials or by-products, resulting in pure Glycereth-26 [4].

Efficacy and Function

Glycereth-26 is primarily valued for its humectant properties, drawing moisture from the air and holding it within the skin, therefore, it helps in hydrating the skin, keeping it supple and moisturized [5]. As an emollient, it softens and smoothes the skin's surface, filling in tiny cracks with its oily components, and it also acts as a viscosity modifier in cosmetic formulations, helping to adjust the thickness and texture of products [6].

Application Scenarios

Glycereth-26 is found in a wide array of cosmetic and personal care products, including lotions, creams, serums, cleansers, and hair care items, due to its moisturizing and emollient properties [7]. It improves the texture of products and enhances their application, and in hair care, it can provide conditioning benefits, leaving hair feeling soft and manageable [7].

Packaging and Transportation

Glycereth-26 is typically packaged in plastic drums or containers to prevent contamination and ensure product integrity, because its stability is very good. During transportation, containers are sealed tightly and stored under cool, dry conditions to maintain the product's quality [8]. Regulations for shipping and handling must be followed to ensure safe transport and storage of the material [8].

Citations

[1] Gondim, C.N.; de Souza, G.E.P.; Barreto, A.G.; Lemos, T.L.G.; Alves Filho, E.G. Development and Validation of a GC-MS Method for Quantification of Glycerol in Biodiesel. ChemistryOpen 2022, 11, e202200049.

[2] Glycereth-26. PubChem Compound Database. Retrieved from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Glycereth-26

[3] Burnett CL, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD, Liebler DC, Marks JG Jr, Shank RC, Slaga TJ, Snyder PW, Andersen FA. Final report of the safety assessment of PPG-14 Butyl Ether, PPG-15 Butyl Ether, PPG-2 Butyl Ether, PPG-9 Butyl Ether, and Butyl Ether of PPGs 3-16. Int J Toxicol. 2009;28(4 Suppl):53-75.

[4] Van Duin, M.; Van Ommen, J.G.; Kreutzer, M.T. Ethoxylation of Glycerol Catalyzed by a Hydrotalcite. Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2005, 44, 5247-5251.

[5] Lodén, M. The effect of moisturizers on skin barrier function. Clin Dermatol. 2012;30(3):286-96.

[6] Draelos ZD. The science behind skin care: moisturizers. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018;17(2):138-144.

[7] Johnson, W., Bergfeld, W.F., Belsito, D.V., Hill, R.A., Klaassen, C.D., Liebler, D.C., Marks, J.G., Jr, Shank, R.C., Slaga, T.J., Snyder, P.W., Andersen, F.A. Safety Assessment of Glycereth-7, -12, -20, -26, -31. Int J Toxicol. 2013; 32(3 Suppl): 38S-51S.

[8] U.S. Department of Transportation. Hazardous Materials Regulations. 49 CFR Parts 100-185.

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