DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
The name 'glycereth- is used to describe a PEG (polyethylene glycol) ester of glycerol. The number after the name "glycereth-" indicates the average number of molecular units (-CH2-CH2-O-), e.g. glycereth-5, glycereth-7, glycereth-31, etc. The consistency (liquid to solid) and chemical-physical properties of the glycereth-derivative depend on the respective number of molecular units.
In cosmetic applications the esters of different carboxylic acids with the different PEG derivatives are used as emulsifiers, surfactants, emulsion stabilizers.
General informationThis section has been translated automatically.
Glycereth-20- stearate, a polyethylene glycol ester of glycerin with stearic acid (octadecanoic acid), serves as emulsifier in skin care products.
The allergological relevance of the individual glycereth derivatives is not known.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer