Diethylene glycol monohexadecyl ether

Diethylene glycol monohexadecyl ether (CAS 5274-61-3) is a long-chain nonionic ether used as an emulsifier, wetting agent, and humectant across personal care and industrial formulations.

Its C16 alkyl chain combined with a diethylene glycol head group positions it for applications where controlled hydrophilicity and surface activity are required for stable mixtures.

In personal care, it functions as an emulsifier and moisturizing agent in creams, lotions, and conditioning treatments, helping stabilize oil-in-water systems while contributing to skin feel.

Industrial and household cleaning formulations use it to improve substrate wetting and dispersion of active ingredients across hard surfaces and fabric care products for better performance.

Textile processing benefits from its surface modification properties, where it aids in uniform dye penetration and fiber wetting during finishing operations to ensure high quality results.

Leather and paper treatment processes also employ it to control surface tension and improve coating adhesion, making it a versatile component for various manufacturing and finishing sectors.

Diethylene glycol monohexadecyl ether is typically supplied as a waxy solid or paste, depending on temperature and purity. Technical and cosmetic-grade material are the standard offerings.

Cosmetic-grade product meets purity requirements suitable for leave-on and rinse-off formulations. Bulk quantities are available in drums or intermediate bulk containers for industrial use.