What Is Diethylene glycol monolaurate?
Diethylene glycol monolaurate is a substance that can be found in a plant called Scutellaria barbata. When used in cosmetics, it works as a surfactant which helps to mix together different ingredients that wouldn't normally combine well. It does this by acting as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water-based substances to mix evenly. Another name for Diethylene glycol monolaurate is 2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethyl dodecanoate.
What is the purpose of Diethylene glycol monolaurate in personal care products?
It is used for its surfactant emulsifying
characteristics.
Diethylene glycol monolaurate helps mix liquids that don't usually mix.
What Are Surfactant Emulsifying Ingredients?
Diethylene glycol monolaurate 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
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.