Octadecanoic Acid-2-Hydroxyethyl Ester: A Key Ingredient in Personal Care Products

INNO Specialty Chemicals, a leading manufacturer and supplier from China, produces a wide range of specialty chemicals for various industries. One of their key products is Octadecanoic acid-2-hydroxyethyl ester, commonly known as Glycol Stearate Monoester or Ethylene Glycol Monostearate. This versatile ingredient is widely used in personal care products as an emulsifier, thickener, and stabilizer.

Octadecanoic acid-2-hydroxyethyl ester is a white or cream-colored waxy substance that is derived from stearic acid and ethylene glycol. It has a molecular weight of 340.6 g/mol and a melting point of 55-60 °C. The chemical structure of this compound consists of a stearic acid molecule (octadecanoic acid) and an ethylene glycol molecule, linked by an ester bond. This unique structure gives octadecanoic acid-2-hydroxyethyl ester its emulsifying and thickening properties, making it a popular ingredient in personal care products.

Personal care products such as creams, lotions, shampoos, and body washes contain a mixture of oil and water-based ingredients. These ingredients tend to separate over time, leading to an unstable product. Octadecanoic acid-2-hydroxyethyl ester is used as an emulsifier to bind these ingredients together and prevent separation. It forms a stable emulsion, improving the texture and consistency of the product.

In addition to emulsifying properties, octadecanoic acid-2-hydroxyethyl ester is also used as a thickener in personal care products. It increases the viscosity of the product, giving it a creamy and luxurious texture. This thickening property also helps to improve the stability of the product by preventing sedimentation and settling of ingredients.

Octadecanoic acid-2-hydroxyethyl ester is also used as a stabilizer in personal care products. It helps to protect the product from degradation by preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi. This property is particularly important in products that are exposed to air and moisture, such as creams and lotions.

Apart from personal care products, octadecanoic acid-2-hydroxyethyl ester is also used in the food industry as an emulsifier and stabilizer. It is commonly used in chocolate and confectionery products to prevent the separation of cocoa butter and cocoa solids. It also helps to improve the texture and mouthfeel of these products.

In conclusion, Octadecanoic acid-2-hydroxyethyl ester is a versatile ingredient that is widely used in personal care products as an emulsifier, thickener, and stabilizer. Its unique chemical structure gives it these properties, making it an important ingredient in the formulation of personal care products. INNO Specialty Chemicals is a leading manufacturer and supplier of this product, providing high-quality products to various industries.

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