What Is Emcol DOS?

Learn about the surfactant emulsifying characteristics of Emcol DOS and its usage in personal care products.

What Is Emcol DOS? Brandon Jones / IngredientReviewer

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Written by Brandon Jones

What Is Emcol DOS?

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Diethylene glycol monooleate is a type of liquid substance that can be used in cosmetics. It works as a surfactant, which means it helps mix together ingredients that wouldn't normally blend well. It also acts as an emulsifier, helping to keep the different parts of the product evenly distributed. Another name for this substance is 2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethyl (z)-octadec-9-enoate.

What is the purpose of Emcol DOS in personal care products? It is used for its surfactant emulsifying characteristics. Emcol DOS helps mix liquids that don't usually mix.

Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Emcol DOS, Diglycol monooleate, Plasticizer DGO, Diethylene glycol monooleate, Cithrol DGMO S/E, Nonex 409, PEG 2 Oleate, Emcol DO 50, Pegosperse 100 O, Atlas G 2139, 2-(2-Hydroxyethoxy)ethylmonooleat, Oleate de 2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethyle, 2-(2-Hydroxyethoxy)ethyl (9Z)-octadec-9-enoate, and "9-​Octadecenoic acid (9Z)​-​, 2-​(2-​hydroxyethoxy)​ethyl ester".

What Are Surfactant Emulsifying Ingredients?

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Emcol DOS has surfactant emulsifying characteristics.

Surfactant emulsifying ingredients helps mix two liquids that do not usually mix well by reducing the surface tension of the ingredients. The emulsification process involves suspending or dispersing one liquid in a second liquid, such as oil in water or vice versa. However, these two liquids have different properties that cause them to repel each other and not mix. This is where surfactants come in, as they can reduce the liquids' surface tension and allow them to mix.

Surfactants have two ends: a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail. When added to two liquids that do not mix well, the hydrophilic head attaches to the water-based liquid, while the hydrophobic tail attaches to the oil-based liquid. This creates a stable mixture of the two liquids and allows for a smooth and even distribution of ingredients in the cosmetic product.

Safety

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Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.