Glycereth-8 hydroxystearates (inci)

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-7, glycereth-12, glycereth-31, etc. The consistency (liquid to solid) and chemical-physical properties of the glycereth-derivative depend on the respective number of molecular units.

Glycereth-8 hydroxystearate is used in cosmetic formulations. The substance acts as an emulsifier (changes the interfacial tension of liquids like water and oil so that they can be mixed together). The substance supports the formation of emulsions and improves the stability and shelf life of emulsions. It also acts as a surfactant.

The allergological relevance of the individual glycereth derivatives is not known.