Polyethylene glycol lauryl ether

Polyethylene glycol lauryl ether (CAS 6540-99-4) is a nonionic surfactant used across industrial and personal care formulations for emulsification, foam control, and cleaning. It functions as both a surface-active agent and a carrier solvent. This versatile chemical enables the stable dispersion of oils, pigments, and actives in aqueous systems. In personal care and cosmetics, it emulsifies oil-in-water systems in creams, lotions, and cleansing products.

The compound contributes significantly to texture and ingredient compatibility in high-end formulations. Textile and leather processing operations use it to improve dye penetration and as a scouring agent to remove oils. It effectively removes contaminants from fiber surfaces during industrial manufacturing. In printing and packaging, it supports ink dispersion and acts as a defoamer in coating formulations where foam buildup disrupts quality.

Water treatment applications rely on it as a defoaming and dispersing agent in process water circuits. Polyethylene glycol lauryl ether is supplied as a liquid or paste, depending on the ethoxylation degree. Grades are available for industrial and personal care applications, with cosmetic-grade material meeting relevant purity standards for formulation use. Drum and IBC packaging are standard supply formats for bulk procurement.