Polyethylene glycol undecyl ether

Polyethylene glycol undecyl ether (CAS 34398-01-1), also known as 2-(undecyloxy)ethanol, is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from undecyl alcohol and ethylene oxide. It functions as an emulsifier, dispersant, and cleansing agent across personal care, cleaning, and industrial formulations.

In personal care, it emulsifies oil-in-water systems in skin creams, lotions, and cleansing products, contributing mild moisturizing properties to finished formulations. Industrial and household cleaning products use it as a degreasing and dispersing agent.

Its nonionic character allows compatibility with a broad range of co-surfactants and actives. Textile processing operations employ it as a wetting and scouring agent to improve fiber penetration and soil removal during preparation and finishing stages.

Leather and paper processing also utilize it to aid uniform dispersion of treatment agents across substrates. Polyethylene glycol undecyl ether is typically supplied as a liquid and is available in technical grade for industrial and cleaning applications.

It is also available in cosmetic-grade specifications suitable for personal care formulation. Packaging options generally include drums and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) for industrial volumes to ensure safe transport and storage.