What Is Glycol Distearate?
Ethylene glycol distearate is a substance that has several functions when used in cosmetics. It can make products opaque, which means they are not see-through. It also helps to condition the skin and make it soft and smooth. It is used as a surfactant, which means it helps to mix oil and water-based ingredients together in cosmetic products. Additionally, it can control the thickness or viscosity of a product. Ethylene glycol distearate comes in different forms including dry powder, liquid, pellets or large crystals, and solid. It is also known by other names such as 2-octadecanoyloxyethyl octadecanoate and glycol distearate. This substance is also used as a food additive.
What is the purpose of Glycol Distearate in personal care products?
It is used for its opacifying
, skin conditioning, skin conditioning emollient, surfactant emulsifying, and viscosity-controlling characteristics.
Glycol Distearate reduce cosmetic transparency, moisturizes and strengthens skin, hydrates skin to prevent dryness, helps mix liquids that don't usually mix, and adjusts the thickness of a product.
Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Glycol Distearate, Ethylene glycol distearate, "Octadecanoic acid, 1,2-ethanediyl ester", and Ethane-1,2-diyl dioctadecanoate.
What Are Opacifying Ingredients?
Glycol Distearate has opacifying characteristics.
Opacifying ingredients are commonly used in cosmetic products to reduce transparency or translucency. These ingredients create a white or opaque appearance in the product, which helps hide imperfections and blemishes on the skin. Some opacifying ingredients also have the added benefit of providing a matte finish, which can be desirable for those with oily or combination skin.
Opacifying ingredients can be found in various cosmetic products, including foundations, powders, and concealers. These ingredients can be synthetic or naturally derived, including titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and kaolin clay.
What Are Skin Conditioning Ingredients?
Glycol Distearate has skin conditioning characteristics.
Skin conditioning ingredients improve the texture, feel, and overall appearance of the skin, helping to avoid harmful effects from external factors. Skin conditioning ingredients moisturize the skin and strengthen its natural barrier function to help protect it from damage caused by harsh weather and sunlight. Some skin conditioning ingredients are anti-inflammatory and can help reduce redness and irritated skin.
What Are Skin Conditioning Emollient Ingredients?
Glycol Distearate has skin conditioning emollient characteristics.
Skin conditioning emollients help improve the skin's texture and appearance while providing it with the necessary hydration to prevent dryness and flakiness. Emollients are lubricants that create a barrier on the skin's surface to trap moisture, which helps prevent dryness and dehydration.
Skin conditioning emollients are commonly found in cosmetics such as moisturizers and lotions, which significantly help maintain healthy and youthful-looking skin. Emollients are typically made from natural oils, such as coconut or jojoba, and can also contain humectants that draw moisture to the skin's surface.
What Are Surfactant Emulsifying Ingredients?
Glycol Distearate 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.
What Are Viscosity-Controlling Ingredients?
Glycol Distearate has viscosity-controlling characteristics.
Viscosity-controlling ingredients increase or decrease the thickness of a product. These ingredients are essential in creating the desired texture and consistency for cosmetic products such as lotions, creams, and serums.
Increasing the viscosity of a cosmetic product can provide a thicker and more substantial texture, making it easier to apply and providing better coverage. On the other hand, decreasing the viscosity can create a lighter, more fluid consistency, allowing for quicker absorption into the skin.
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.