Steareth-2 is a polyoxyethylene ether nonionic surfactant widely used in cosmetics and personal care fields as an emulsifier, solubilizer and dispersant. The product has a white waxy solid appearance with a smooth and shiny texture. The HLB value is 15.5. It is a hydrophilic emulsifier and is particularly suitable for building oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion systems. The recommended addition amount is 1%–5%, and it is usually added to the formula during the heating of the oil phase. The packaging adopts a 10 kg/box specification for easy operation and mass production.
Performance
Steareth-2 has excellent emulsification, wetting, solubilization and foaming properties. It is stable in an alkaline environment and can maintain the viscosity of the emulsion for a long time, forming an emulsion system with a fine and uniform texture. It is easily soluble in water, ethanol and propylene glycol, and insoluble in mineral oil. The melting point is about 45-46°C and the density is 0.964 g/mL (25°C). The raw material has high stability and versatility and is widely used in the formulation of creams, lotions and cleansing products. It should be noted that it has poor compatibility with strong oxidants, but has good tolerance to high pH systems.
Characteristics and Applications
Steareth-2 can be compounded with lipid ingredients to enhance the stability and fineness of the emulsion, reduce greasiness, and increase absorption rate. It can evenly disperse the sunscreen ingredients in sunscreen products to avoid agglomeration and whitening; in baby care products, it is mild in nature, low in irritation, and suitable for delicate skin. It has a moderate melting point and good thermal stability, which simplifies the production process, reduces quality risks, and is suitable for large-scale production needs.