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Ethoxylated Surfactants & Euxyl PE 9010
I’m going to receive a sample of Euxyl PE 9010 for testing in my sulfate-free shampoo formulation. According to the TDS, it’s only incompatible with highly ethoxylated compounds. How do I know which ingredients are ethoxylated? I found this:
http://chemicaloftheday.squarespace.com/most-controversial/2011/1/22/ethoxylated-compounds.html
I don’t know how accurate or comprehensive that is, but I don’t have PEGs or sorbates in my formula. Is there anything else I that should look out for?
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4 Replies
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the main offenders are highly soluble ethoxylated surfactants, e.g. SLES, and they reduce the efficacy of Euxyl PE9010 rather than being outright incompatible
I’ve often used it with less soluble ethoxylated surfactants (ceteareth-20, oleth-20 etc.), sometimes up to 25% w/w, and never had a problem with it
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@Bill_Toge Thanks for your feedback. I was a little worried when they called and asked me if I had ethoxylated surfactants in my formula. It’s a little strange because there is conflicting product literature. The TDS says it’s compatible with a variety of surfactants, yet a sell sheet comparing all their preservatives indicates it’s not suitable for rinse-off applications. Yet I know it’s commonly used in shampoos based on competitor’s LOIs. They also asked how much surfactants I use, and I told the tech that I’ve got about 15% ASM. He said give it a shot… not the ringing endorsement I would expect!
After reading the TDS, I’m going to try 1%. Does that sound like a good use level?
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I also came across the disclaimer in the Euxyl PE9010 literature regarding rinse off products that a high load of ethoxylated surfactants result in a loss of efficacy. I asked one of the sales rep for Schulke about what they consider a high level of ethoxylated surfactants and he told me around 5% was considered high.
The Euxyl K701also contains Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexyglycerin (along with Benzoic Acid and Dehydroacetic Acid) and is suitable for surfactant preparations so this may be what your competitors are using.
The good thing about Schulke is that they will test the efficacy of their preservatives your formula for you.
Hope this helps
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Where do you receive the sample? I could not find a small supplier besides Bulk Actives.
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