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Polyglyceryl Isostearate Selection Guide: MY984 vs MY986 Explained

2026,01,12
Confused about the material selection of 984 and 986?A must-see differentiation guide for raw material people
 
With its excellent compatibility and application adaptability, polyglyceride emulsifiers have become the core ingredients in the formulation of waterproof, sunscreen, makeup, skin care and other products.PEOFA™ MY984 (polyglyceryl-2 triisostearate) and OILREE® MY986 (polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate), as two popular water-in-oil co-emulsifiers, often make buyers and formulators entangled in material selection.The two seem to have similar functions, but in fact there are key differences in molecular structure, physical and chemical properties, and application scenarios.
 
Molecular structure differences
 
The two products belong to the same polyglyceride fatty acid ester emulsifiers. The core difference stems from the combination of the degree of polymerization of the polyglyceride chain in the molecular structure and the number of fatty acid residues. This structural difference directly determines its performance characteristics.
 
1. The length of the polyglycerol chain is different: the core structure of MY984 is polyglycerol-2, that is, the molecule contains two glycerol units connected by an ether bond to form a polyglycerol chain, while MY986 adopts a polyglycerol-3 structure, and the number of glycerol units is increased to 3.The length of the polyglycerol chain directly affects the hydrophilicity of the molecule-polyglycerol-3 has one more hydroxyl group than polyglycerol-2, and the theoretical hydrophilicity is slightly improved, which also brings subtle differences in its dispersion in the formula.
 
2. The number of fatty acid substitution bases is different: MY984 is a triisostearate, which means that 3 isostearate groups are connected to the polyglycerol chain, while MY986 is a diisostearate, which only connects 2 isostearate groups.As the hydrophobic end of the isostearic acid group, the number of which determines the hydrophobic strength of the molecule. The hydrophobicity of MY984 with 3 residues is relatively stronger, while the hydrophobic of MY986 with 2 residues is more gentle in the hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance.
 
3. Differences in molecular spatial configuration: Due to the different length of the polyglycerol chain and the number of substitution bases, there are differences in the molecular spatial configuration of the two products.The molecular structure of MY984 is more compact and the proportion of hydrophobic ends is higher. The molecular structure of MY986 is more stretched due to the longer polyglycerol chain, fewer residues, and more spatial configuration. This also makes the two show different characteristics in terms of compatibility with other components and emulsification efficiency. Characteristics.
 
polyglyceryl 3 diisostearate in skin carePOLYGLYCERYL 3 DIISOSTEARATE
 
Physical and chemical properties
 
Physical and chemical properties are the basis for the adaptation of raw materials to the formula. Although the differences between the two products in appearance, acid value standards, storage stability, etc. are not significant, they are essential to the safety and shelf life of the formula.
 
1. Appearance and form: MY984 is a light yellow liquid with a lighter color, while MY986 is a yellow liquid with a relatively rich color.This color difference stems from the subtle control of the purity of the raw materials in the production process. For makeup and skin care formulas that pursue a translucent appearance of the product, the light color advantage of MY984 is more obvious, which can reduce the impact on the color of the finished product.
 
2. Different acid value standards: Acid value is an important indicator to measure the purity and stability of emulsifiers. The acid value standard of MY984 is ≤3 mgKOH/g, and the actual detection value is usually about 1.4. The acid value standard of MY986 is relatively loose, ≤6 mgKOH/g, and the actual detection value is about 1.75.The lower acid value means that the raw materials of MY984 are of higher purity and are not easy to hydrolyze in the formula, especially suitable for long-lasting skin care products and sunscreen products with strict stability requirements.
 
3. Differences in storage stability: The storage conditions of the two products require sealing, dryness, coolness, and temperature ≤30℃, but due to different molecular structures, the stability performance is slightly different.Because of its more compact molecular structure, MY984 has slightly better stability in a high temperature environment (close to 45℃). After melting, it can still maintain its original technical specifications at room temperature. MY986 is more sensitive to humidity. Special attention should be paid to moisture-proof when storing to avoid moisture absorption affecting the emulsifying properties.
 
polyglyceryl 2 triisostearate in cosmeticspolyglyceryl 2 triisostearate
 
Processing characteristics
 
In actual production and processing, the dosage range of the two products, compatibility with other raw materials, and operating requirements directly affect production efficiency and product pass rate. This is also the core consideration of formulators when selecting materials.
 
1. There are differences in the recommended dosage: the recommended dosage of MY984 is 1.0-5.0%, which is suitable for formulas that require a strong emulsifying effect; the recommended dosage of MY986 is more flexible, at 0.3-3.0%, which can achieve a good emulsifying effect at a low dosage.If the formula cost is more sensitive, the low-dosage advantage of MY986 can help reduce the cost of raw materials, but if you are making heavy-duty products that require a high multiple of emulsification, such as baby ointments and moisturizing skin creams, the high-dosage adaptability of MY984 is more suitable.
 
2. Compatibility with other ingredients: Both products are fat-soluble, and they are well matched with various types of oil-in-water emulsifiers, but they have their own focus on the adaptability of specific ingredients.MY984 is more hydrophobic, and it is more harmonious with silicone oil ingredients such as Isododecane and cyclopentylsiloxane. It is correct to choose it when making waterproof sunscreen and makeup formulas for silicone oil systems.MY986 is slightly more hydrophilic, and it is more in tune with ester ingredients, and it performs better in moisturizing skin care lotions.
 
3. Operation and packaging adaptation: MY984 is a 20kg/barrel package, which is convenient for small and medium-sized production enterprises to purchase in bulk and control a single dosage.MY986 has two specifications of 25kg/barrel and 190kg/barrel. Large production enterprises can choose large packages according to the output, which can reduce a lot of transportation costs.There is no need for special pretreatment for both models in operation, but MY984 disperses faster when stirring, which is suitable for automated production lines; MY986 has slightly better fluidity, and it can be quickly mixed even if it is stirred by hand.
 
Application area
 
Although the application scenarios of the two products overlap, based on the differences in physical and chemical properties and processing characteristics, there is still a clear subdivision direction in the adaptation of specific products, especially in terms of water resistance, moisture content, product form, etc. The differences in demand are particularly obvious.
 
1. Waterproof sunscreen products: Both types can be used for waterproof sunscreen, but the types of products adapted are different.MY984 has strong hydrophobicity and high emulsifying efficiency. It is suitable for products with high water resistance and high durability, such as outdoor sunscreen sprays and waterproof sunscreens. It can also be used with Water in oil emulsifier to improve sweat resistance.MY986 saves dosage and light color. It is more suitable for lightweight sunscreen creams and sun protection essences. It is paired with Peg 7 glyceryl cocoate, which can take into account sun protection and moisturizing, and the skin feels more refreshing.
 
2. Anhydrous makeup and base makeup: When making anhydrous makeup such as powders and eyeshadow creams, the high hydrophobic properties of MY984 enhance the product's stain resistance and adhesion. It is matched with polydimethylsiloxane vinyl polydimethylsiloxane crosslinked polymer, which can also make makeup smoother and longer lasting.The light-colored advantages of MY986 are very prominent, and it is suitable for base makeup for nude makeup series, such as lightweight foundation cream and concealer, which can avoid yellowing of the finished product, and the characteristics of low dosage can reduce the greasy feeling of makeup.
 
3. Baby care and dry skin care: Baby ointments and skin creams for dry skin have particularly high requirements for gentleness and moisture.MY984 has strong stability and low acid value. It is suitable for sensitive skin and infant care products. It is combined with ascorbic acid palmitate to enhance the antioxidant properties of the product and reduce the risk of irritation.MY986 is slightly more hydrophilic and more moisturizing. It is suitable for skin care lotions and body creams for dry skin. It works synergistically with ethylene Glycol distearate to enhance the ability to lock in water and improve the problem of dry skin and peeling.
 
Summary of core differences
 
Through the above multi-dimensional comparison, we can clearly see the core differences between MY984 and MY986, and summarize it to help you make a quick decision.:
 
1. If the formula needs high water resistance, high stability, the pursuit of high purity and strong emulsifying effect, and the budget is sufficient, choose MY984, especially suitable for outdoor sunscreen, heavy skin cream and high-end makeup products.
 
2. If the formula values light skin feeling and light appearance, wants to control costs, flexibly adjust the dosage, and is for sensitive skin products or lightweight skin care makeup, choose MY986. Its low additive content and gentle properties have more advantages.
 
3. From the perspective of the supply chain, it is more appropriate for small and medium-sized enterprises to choose 20kg/barrel of MY984, and large enterprises can choose the large packaging specifications of MY986 according to the output, which can save a lot of procurement and transportation costs.
 
In practical applications, it can also be flexibly matched according to other ingredients in the formula, such as combining MY984 with a Thickening suspension to enhance product texture, and combining MY986 with an Oil in water emulsifier to optimize skin texture.There is no need to worry about material selection, as long as the core requirements of the formula are clear, the right product can be accurately matched.
 
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Hubei Mingya New Material Co., Ltd.Founded in 2015, with more than ten years of industry experience, it is a professional manufacturer specializing in cosmetic surfactants.The factory is located in the scenic tourist city of Yichang, focusing on the research and development and production of skin care product raw materials, foundation emulsifiers, makeup remover raw materials and personal care products.   Our headquarters is located in Guangzhou, the ”South Gate of China".As a direct manufacturer, we integrate production, sales and technical services. You can rest assured that we can ensure the stability of the supply chain and the consistent product quality.Relying on advanced production equipment and standardized quality management system, it can provide reliable raw materials that meet international requirements.   The company has an experienced sales team, and the professional R&D department will also keep up with market trends to develop new formulas.This means that we not only have high-quality products, but also provide customized solutions to meet the different needs of cosmetics, personal care and industrial formulas.At the same time, we attach great importance to...
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