What is Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18 and what are its primary applications?

Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18 (CAS 31694-55-0) is an ethoxylated glycerol-based nonionic surfactant and humectant. It functions as a surface-active agent in aqueous and multi-phase systems, providing solubilization, wetting, and formulation compatibility. It is commonly used in cosmetic and toiletry formulations, as well as in industrial cleaning, textile processing, and chemical manufacturing where controlled HLB and stability are required.

How does the ethoxylation degree affect the performance of Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18?

The G-18 grade designation corresponds to a specific ethoxylation ratio that determines the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of the molecule. This influences its water solubility, emulsifying capacity, and compatibility with various formulation phases. A higher ethoxylation degree increases water solubility and reduces surface tension more effectively, making Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18 suitable for oil-in-water emulsions and aqueous surfactant blends.

What quality parameters should be verified before purchasing Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18?

Key quality indicators include hydroxyl value, moisture content, pH (1% aqueous solution), and appearance (color and clarity). The product is supplied at 99% grade. Buyers should request COA, TDS, and SDS documentation to confirm lot-specific values for hydroxyl number, acid value, and residual moisture content before bulk procurement.

Can Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18 be used in surfactant blends and multi-component formulations?

Yes. As a nonionic surfactant, Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18 is compatible with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants in blended systems. Its polyether chain structure provides stability across a wide pH range and in the presence of electrolytes. It is commonly incorporated into detergent bases, emulsifier packages, and conditioning formulations where humectancy and surface activity are needed simultaneously.

What are the main applications of Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18 in personal care formulations?

In personal care, Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18 serves as a humectant, lubricant, and foam modifier in shampoos, body washes, and skin care products. It enhances the sensory feel of formulations by improving spreadability and reducing irritation potential of primary surfactants. It also functions as a solubilizer for fragrances and essential oils in aqueous cosmetic systems.

How does Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18 differ from other ethoxylated glycerin products?

Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18 is distinguished by its specific ethoxylation level, which gives it a defined HLB value and performance profile optimized for surfactant and humectant applications. Compared to lower-ethoxylate grades, G-18 offers greater water solubility and milder surface activity, making it particularly suitable for cosmetic and personal care systems where gentle conditioning and formulation stability are priorities.

Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18 CAS 31694-55-0

Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18 is an ethoxylated glycerol–based nonionic surfactant used as an industrial ingredient in formulated chemical systems. Identified by CAS No. 31694-55-0, this material functions through its polyether chain structure, providing surface activity, solubilization, and formulation compatibility across aqueous systems. It is commonly applied in nonionic surfactant formulations where controlled hydrophilic–lipophilic balance and processing stability are required at an industrial formulation level. Supply is available with competitive factory pricing, supports customized specifications, and includes MSDS, TDS, COA documentation for bulk supply.

CAS: 31694-55-0
Synonyms: Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18, Ethoxylated Glycerol, Glycerin Ethoxylate, Polyoxyethylene Glycerol
Einecs: 500-075-4‌
Molecular Formula: C₂H₄O)ₙ·C₃H₈O₃
Grade: 99%
Package: 200kg iron drum, 50kg plastic drum packaging

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Product Description

1 Product Overview

2 Product Information / Specifications

3 Physical & Chemical Properties

Product Overview

Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18 is supplied as a functional additive / formulation ingredient rather than an end-use consumer product. Based on its product identity and application profile, it is positioned as a nonionic surfactant material for formulated systems requiring water solubility, surface activity and broad formulation compatibility.

It is commonly used in cosmetic and toiletry formulations as a humectant, lubricant and foam-supporting component, and may also be used in related industrial chemical systems where ethoxylated polyether functionality is required.

For product evaluation, appearance, hydroxyl value, moisture and packaging should be confirmed according to the supplied grade and intended application.

Product Information / Specifications

Product Name	Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18
CAS No.	31694-55-0
EINECS	500-075-4
Synonyms	Ethoxylated Glycerol, Glycerin Ethoxylate, Polyoxyethylene Glycerol
Molecular Formula	(C₂H₄O)n·C₃H₈O₃
Product Identity	Functional Additive / Formulation Ingredient
Typical Grade	Industrial / formulation grade; specific assay and quality indicators should be confirmed by batch specification

Physical & Chemical Properties

Appearance	Colorless to pale yellow liquid, paste or soft solid, usually a viscous liquid at room temperature
Odor	Slight characteristic odor
Density	Approx. 1.138 g/mL at 25°C
Solubility	Soluble in water and ethanol; insoluble in oils
pH (1% aqueous solution)	5.0–7.0
Hydroxyl Value	175–205 mg KOH/g
Moisture Content	≤0.5%
Stability	Stable under normal storage conditions; avoid strong acids, strong bases and oxidizing agents

Applications

Suitable for cosmetic and toiletry formulations as a humectant and lubricant.
Used in aqueous surfactant systems requiring solubilization and formulation compatibility.
Can be applied as a foam-supporting component in selected cleansing and personal care systems.
Used as an intermediate or auxiliary material in the synthesis of fatty acid esters and related derivatives.
Suitable for related industrial formulation systems where water solubility and nonionic polyether performance are required.

Packaging

200 kg iron drum
50 kg plastic drum

Packaging information may vary according to grade, viscosity and shipment requirements.

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area.
Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.
Avoid direct sunlight and prolonged exposure to high temperature.
Protect from incompatible strong acids, strong bases and oxidizing substances.
Keep storage conditions consistent to maintain product stability and handling performance.

Safety Precautions

Handle in accordance with standard chemical safety procedures.
Avoid inhalation of vapors or mists generated during processing.
Avoid prolonged skin contact and direct eye contact.
Wear suitable gloves, eye protection and protective clothing during handling.
Refer to the current SDS for detailed first-aid, handling and transport information.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
What is Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18 and what are its primary applications?

A: Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18 (CAS 31694-55-0) is an ethoxylated glycerol-based nonionic surfactant and humectant. It functions as a surface-active agent in aqueous and multi-phase systems, providing solubilization, wetting, and formulation compatibility. It is commonly used in cosmetic and toiletry formulations, as well as in industrial cleaning, textile processing, and chemical manufacturing where controlled HLB and stability are required.
Q:
How does the ethoxylation degree affect the performance of Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18?

A: The G-18 grade designation corresponds to a specific ethoxylation ratio that determines the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of the molecule. This influences its water solubility, emulsifying capacity, and compatibility with various formulation phases. A higher ethoxylation degree increases water solubility and reduces surface tension more effectively, making Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18 suitable for oil-in-water emulsions and aqueous surfactant blends.
Q:
What quality parameters should be verified before purchasing Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18?

A: Key quality indicators include hydroxyl value, moisture content, pH (1% aqueous solution), and appearance (color and clarity). The product is supplied at 99% grade. Buyers should request COA, TDS, and SDS documentation to confirm lot-specific values for hydroxyl number, acid value, and residual moisture content before bulk procurement.
Q:
Can Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18 be used in surfactant blends and multi-component formulations?

A: Yes. As a nonionic surfactant, Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18 is compatible with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants in blended systems. Its polyether chain structure provides stability across a wide pH range and in the presence of electrolytes. It is commonly incorporated into detergent bases, emulsifier packages, and conditioning formulations where humectancy and surface activity are needed simultaneously.
Q:
What are the main applications of Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18 in personal care formulations?

A: In personal care, Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18 serves as a humectant, lubricant, and foam modifier in shampoos, body washes, and skin care products. It enhances the sensory feel of formulations by improving spreadability and reducing irritation potential of primary surfactants. It also functions as a solubilizer for fragrances and essential oils in aqueous cosmetic systems.
Q:
How does Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18 differ from other ethoxylated glycerin products?

A: Glycerol Ethoxylate G-18 is distinguished by its specific ethoxylation level, which gives it a defined HLB value and performance profile optimized for surfactant and humectant applications. Compared to lower-ethoxylate grades, G-18 offers greater water solubility and milder surface activity, making it particularly suitable for cosmetic and personal care systems where gentle conditioning and formulation stability are priorities.

Documents

Documents and Product Support

For product review and sourcing evaluation, supporting documents can be coordinated according to the product type, inquiry stage, and order requirements.

COA for batch-based quality reference
TDS for key physical and chemical information
SDS / MSDS for handling, storage, and safety reference
Packing information for sample, trial, and bulk orders
Technical communication based on application and specification requirements

Quotation

Information to Confirm Before Quotation

Clear sourcing information helps reduce specification mismatch and allows a more accurate quotation before sample or bulk order discussion.

Product name and CAS number
Application or intended end use
Required purity, grade, or specification
Sample quantity, trial order, or bulk demand
Preferred packing form or net weight
Destination country or port
Required documents or compliance expectations

Storage & Handling

Packaging, Storage, and Handling Notes

Packaging form, storage conditions, shelf life, and shipment arrangements should be confirmed according to the product characteristics, package size, and destination requirements.

Before order confirmation, buyers are advised to review the corresponding product documents and confirm whether any special storage, labeling, or handling requirements apply.

Supply Support

Sample, Bulk Order and Repeat Supply Support

Support can be arranged for sample discussion, bulk supply planning, packaging confirmation, and routine sourcing communication based on the actual product and order requirements.

For repeat-use formulations or long-term procurement plans, buyers may discuss specification consistency, packaging preferences, delivery expectations, and document coordination in advance.

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Glycerol Polyether Nonionic Surfactant Polyether Surfactant Wetting Agent

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