PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate

Glycerides, coco mono- and di-, ethoxylated

PEG is a large family of polymer compounds whose applications and properties differ according to their molecular weight and constitution. A compound belonging to this group, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate is an emulsifier that helps to stabilise and thicken cosmetic formulations to form solid products, and thus eliminate synthetic preservatives. As an ingredient of cosmetics, it boosts hair and skin care, leaving the hair shiny and the skin soft.

General characteristics

PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate is the INCI name for compounds that are derivatives of glycerides and coconut oil. The CAS number of PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate is 68201-46-7. The customary name used in the literature is coconut oil monoglyceride polyoxyethylated with 7 moles of ethylene oxide. It is derived from polyethylene glycol, glycerol and fatty acid from coconut oil. PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate has hydrophilic properties. It is a non-ionic surfactant with a poor water solubility (it emulsifies). At room temperature, it comes as an oily liquid. It dissolves very well in non-polar solvents such as ethanol, isopropanol or acetone. Marketed products such as Rokacet KO300G, which is included in the product range offered by the PCC Group, contain a minimum 99% of the active substance and up to 1% of water. PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate has a characteristic scent and colour varying from straw yellow to light yellow. PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate has a molar mass of approx. 600 g/mol. It shows a very good stability over the pH range of 5 to 8. It largely acts as an emulsifier for oil-in-water emulsions.

PEG-7 Glyceryl is used primarily in products which do not have prolonged contact with skin but are rinsed off its surface after a short time. Rinsed products do not show side effects other than slight irritations, mostly in people prone to allergic reactions. Applying products with PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate to damaged skin is not recommended.

Applications in cosmetic products

The effect of PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate in cosmetic formulations:

• its good cleansing properties are used in cleansing products for the scalp and hair such as shampoos or foam baths;
• if added to detergents, it improves the quality of the foam. Foam generation directly determines the mechanism removing the dirt and impurities from the surface;
• it is a co-emulsifier for many substances that do not dissolve well in water such as menthol, salicylic acid or essential oils. It helps form an emulsion and keep it stable. Without emulsifiers, a formula would stratify and oil droplets would float on the water;
• it is used as an emollient in hair care products. Products that contain PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate significantly improve the condition of dry skin;
• when applied to the skin with creams, it forms a semi-permeable film on its surface, which both protects the skin against external factors and also trap in moisture. Emollients such as PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate are especially beneficial for people with dry, rough skin and/or flaky skin. The application of emollients helps relieve these symptoms;
• in cosmetics, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate also acts as an emulsifier, where it stabilises the product and helps to emulsify ingredients based on oil and water, ensuring that the mixture is cohesive and homogeneous;
• as a surfactant, it helps to remove dirt trapped in oil on the skin, it enhances mixing dirt with water, which could be easily rinsed off. Thus, it leaves the skin refreshed and rejuvenated;
• its functions include re-lubrication. The washing process removes oil/fat substances, therefore we use lubricating substances, which restore the lipid barrier.

Non-cosmetic use of PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate

PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate is mainly popular in the beauty industry. Its properties, which are characteristics for most surfactants, are also used in the industry of detergents, especially those for household use. On that account, you can find PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate among the ingredients of, for example, washing liquids. The same properties of PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate meet their functions in automotive chemicals.