Methyl gluceth-20 (inci)

Gluceth(e) are the polyoxyethylene ethers of glucopyranoside (for comparison see: laurethe as polyoxyethylene ether of lauryl alcohol; steareth as polyoxyethylene ether of stearyl alcohol and others). In the designation of glucethete the inserted numbering means the average number of ethylene oxide units per mole. Gluceth-20, for example, is the INCI designation for a polyoxyethylene ether with 20 ethylene oxide units per mole.

Methylgluceth-20 is an active agent based on PEG which is used in cosmetic formulations. The substance acts as emulsifier (changes the interfacial tension of liquids like water and oil so that they can be mixed together), moisturizer (preserves the moisture of the skin) and moisturizing substance (increases the water content of the skin, moisturizes).