PEG monolaurate

PEG monolaurate (CAS 9004-81-3) is a polyethylene glycol ester of lauric acid, produced by reacting PEG with lauric acid to yield a nonionic surfactant. It is sold under trade names including S 307, Laurox 9, Nonex 31, and PEG200ML, with the abbreviation PEG-ML used across technical literature. No E-code designation applies.

In personal care emulsions, PEG monolaurate stabilises oil-in-water systems by reducing interfacial tension between aqueous and lipid phases. Textile processors use it as a fibre lubricant and antistatic agent, where its hydrophilic-lipophilic balance allows controlled deposition on synthetic substrates. In food-grade coatings, it functions as a carrier solvent, improving uniform distribution of active ingredients across surfaces.

PEG monolaurate is available in liquid form across varying PEG chain lengths, with grades conforming to REACH registration requirements for the European market. FCC-compliant grades exist for food-contact applications. Procurement teams should confirm the degree of ethoxylation with suppliers to match application-specific HLB requirements.