What Is Diethylene glycol monoricinoleate?

Learn about the surfactant emulsifying characteristics of Diethylene glycol monoricinoleate and its usage in personal care products.

What Is Diethylene glycol monoricinoleate? Brandon Jones / IngredientReviewer

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Written by Brandon Jones

What Is Diethylene glycol monoricinoleate?

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Diethylene glycol monoricinoleate, also known as diethyleneglycol monoricinoleate, is a substance commonly used in cosmetics. Its function is to act as a surfactant, which means it helps mix two substances that normally wouldn't mix well together (like oil and water). It also has emulsifying properties, which means it helps keep those substances mixed over time.

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

Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Diethylene glycol monoricinoleate and 2-(2-Hydroxyethoxy)ethyl (R)-12-hydroxyoleate.

What Are Surfactant Emulsifying Ingredients?

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Diethylene glycol monoricinoleate 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.