Ethylene Glycol Distearate (EGDS AP50 Flakes)
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INCI Name:
Glycol Distearate
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Common Name:
EGDS (Ethylene Glycol Distearate)
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CAS Number:
627-83-8
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Form:
White / off-white waxy flakes
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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:
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Odor Profile: Mild waxy/fatty
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Top Notes: Neutral
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Heart Notes: Soft wax note
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Base Notes: Slight fatty undertone
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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.
