EGDS Flakes - Ethylene Glycol Distearate

Ethylene Glycol Distearate (EGDS AP50 Flakes)

• INCI Name:
  Glycol Distearate
• Common Name:
  EGDS (Ethylene Glycol Distearate)
• CAS Number:
  627-83-8
• Form:
  White / off-white waxy flakes
• Alternate Names:
  • EGDS AP50 Flakes
  • Pearlizing Wax
  • Glycol Distearate Flakes
  • Opacifier EGDS
  • Cosmetic Pearling Agent

Key Benefits:

• Creates rich pearly / creamy appearance in shampoos & body washes
• Acts as an opacifier (makes clear liquids milky white)
• Improves product texture and thickness
• Enhances foam stability in surfactant systems
• Gives luxury “creamy” sensory feel
• Works as co-emulsifier in cleansing formulations

Benefits & Uses (Short):

• Used in shampoos, shower gels, and liquid soaps
• Improves visual appeal (pearlescent shine)
• Enhances viscosity and richness
• Helps stabilize formulations
• Common in baby washes and premium personal care products

Recommended Usage Level:

• Shampoos: 0.5% – 3%
• Body Wash: 0.5% – 2%
• Liquid Soap: 0.5% – 2.5%
• Facial Cleansers: 0.2% – 1%
• Cleansing Creams: 0.5% – 2%

How It Works (Short):

• EGDS is a fatty acid ester (ethylene glycol + stearic acid)
• When heated and cooled in surfactant systems, it forms fine crystalline platelets
• These crystals reflect light → producing pearl-like shimmer effect
• Also increases viscosity and improves foam texture
• Requires heating (around 70–75°C) to properly disperse in formulations
• Stabilizes rinse-off systems and improves sensory luxury feel

Key Benefits for Formulators:

• Premium pearly appearance (high consumer appeal)
• Better foam feel without reducing cleansing power
• Improves viscosity naturally
• Works with SLES, CAPB, and nonionic surfactants
• Enhances product “luxury look” at low cost

Olfactory Notes:

• Odor Profile: Mild waxy/fatty
• Top Notes: Neutral
• Heart Notes: Soft wax note
• Base Notes: Slight fatty undertone
• Character: Clean, functional, neutral

FAQs:

Q: What is EGDS AP50 used for?
A: It is used to give shampoos and body washes a pearlized, creamy, and luxurious appearance.

Q: Is EGDS a surfactant?
A: Not a primary surfactant—it is mainly an opacifier, pearling agent, and co-thickener.

Q: Why is heating required?
A: It must be melted into the surfactant system so it can crystallize properly during cooling.

Q: Does EGDS improve foam?
A: It does not create foam but improves foam texture and stability.

Q: Is EGDS safe in cosmetics?
A: Yes, it is widely used in rinse-off personal care products globally.