Glycereth-26 is a chemical compound, an emollient and humectant commonly used in cosmetics. It belongs to the family of glycereths, which are esters of glycerol and ethylene oxide. 

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

Glycereth indicates a derivative of glycerol, which is a polyhydric alcohol with humectant properties. The number that follows (26 in this case) represents the average number of ethylene oxide units added.

What it is used for and where

Glycereth-26 is known for its ability to retain moisture on the skin, thereby providing a sensation of hydration and softness. It is particularly beneficial in skincare products such as lotions, creams, and serums, where it helps to form a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss. Glycereth-26 is also valued for its ability to improve the texture of products, making them smoother and easier to apply.

Cosmetics - INCI Functions

• Humectant. Hygroscopic compound used to minimise water loss in the skin and to prevent it from drying out by facilitating faster and greater absorption of water into the stratum corneum of the epidermis.  The epidermis is the most superficial of the three layers that make up human skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis) and is the layer that maintains hydration in all three layers. In turn, the epidermis is composed of five layers: horny, the most superficial, granular, spinous, shiny, and basal. Humectants have the ability to retain the water they attract from the air in the stratum corneum and have the function of moisturising the skin. They are best used before emollients, which are oil-based.
• Viscosity control agent. It controls and adapts, Increasing or decreasing, viscosity to the required level for optimal chemical and physical stability of the product and dosage in gels, suspensions, emulsions, solutions.

Chemical Industrial Synthesis Process

• Reagent selection. The production of Glycereth-26 begins with the selection of glycerin and ethylene oxide, the primary components needed for synthesis.
• Alkoxylation reaction. Glycerin is reacted with ethylene oxide in the presence of a catalyst, typically a strong base like potassium hydroxide. This process takes place in a reactor under controlled temperature and pressure conditions to facilitate the formation of polyglycol ethers.
• Reaction monitoring. The reaction is carefully monitored to ensure that the desired number of ethylene oxide units is added to the glycerin, thus forming Glycereth-26 with the desired molecular weight and functionality.
• Purification. After the reaction, the product is purified to remove any impurities and by-products. This may include methods such as vacuum distillation or filtration.
• Quality control. The purified Glycereth-26 undergoes various quality control tests to verify its purity, chemical composition, and physical properties such as viscosity and freezing point.

Main uses and benefits of Glycereth-26.

Moisturizing Properties. It acts as a powerful humectant that draws and retains moisture on the skin, helping to keep the skin hydrated and preventing dryness.

Emollient Effect. It improves skin feel by making it soft and smooth to the touch, due to its ability to form a light protective layer that holds in moisture.

Product Texture Improvement. It contributes to a rich and luxurious consistency in cosmetic products, enhancing applicability and comfort during use.

Formulation Stabilization. It helps stabilize emulsions and can act as a co-solvent to improve the solubility of other ingredients in the product.

Skin Compatibility. It is generally well tolerated by the skin and can be used even on sensitive skin, reducing the risk of irritations.

Versatile Applications. It can be used in a variety of cosmetic formulations, including creams, lotions, serums, facial masks, and hair care products, due to its broad range of moisturizing benefits and enhancement of skin feel.