Polyoxyethylene Alkyl Ethers

Polyoxyethylene Alkyl Ethers are ethoxylated fatty alcohols, mild, virtually odorless nonionic surfactants that offer a diverse set of emulsifying characteristics. These characteristics allow them to confer unique bodying, spreading, and stabilizing properties to emulsions. Their performance as solubilizers is considered outstanding.

Since Polyoxyethylene Alkyl Ethers manifest synergistic behavior, they can achieve even more significant effects when used together. The extraordinary synergism of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether blends is particularly evident in difficult-to-formulate emulsions, such as clear gel microemulsions and alkali-based hair straighteners.

Classified as ethers, they acquire specific behavioral characteristics inherent to these compounds. While the presence of the ether linkage in their structure confers exceptional stability to Polyoxyethylene Alkyl Ethers, the absence of an ester linkage virtually eliminates any tendency for them to hydrolyze.

Given these conditions, Polyoxyethylene Alkyl Ethers are extremely tolerant of strong acids and alkalis and can tolerate higher levels of electrolytes than ester-type surfactants. This renders them especially suitable for the formulation of products such as antiperspirants, astringent preparations, cold wave systems, depilatories, and hair relaxers or straighteners.