Emollient

Glycol Distearate

Pearl agent in shampoos and shower gels. Glycol Distearate crystallizes in the form of small flakes that reflect light — this is how the "pearl" effect is achieved in most hygiene products. It also softens the skin and stabilizes foam.

Pearl agentOpacifierShampooBody

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Glycol Distearate (Ethylene Glycol Distearate, EGDS) — diester of stearic acid and 1,2-propylene glycol or ethylene glycol. Solid at room temperature, melts at ~60°C. Unique property: upon cooling from the melt, it crystallizes in the lamellar phase, forming small plate-like crystals ~0.5–2 μm. These crystals are close in size to the wavelength of visible light → intense scattering and pearlescent shine. INCI: Glycol Distearate. Widely used in shampoos, conditioners, and liquid soaps.

Shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, and liquid soaps — any products where a pearlescent appearance is desired. Secondary function: mild conditioning effect.

Key Benefits

✦

Pearlescent effect — optical illusion of crystals

Small lamellar crystals of GDS (~0.5–2 μm) scatter light in the visible range — the effect is similar to that of a sea pearl or mother-of-pearl. This is why most "premium" shampoos and gels have a characteristic pearlescent sheen — it does not mean they are more effective, but they visually associate with quality. Concentration for effect: 1–3%.

◈

Mild conditioning effect

The stearic groups of GDS interact with the surface of hair and skin after rinsing — leaving a light conditioning layer. The effect is much weaker than that of specialized conditioning agents, but in combination with BTMS or lanolin derivatives — it noticeably improves tactile sensations after washing.

✧

Foam stabilization and viscosity regulation

GDS increases the viscosity of shampoos and stabilizes foam formation (foam stability). It thickens the product without the "slippery" feel characteristic of PEG thickeners. It allows for a reduction in the amount of salt (NaCl) as a thickener — important for low-sodium or sensitive-hair formulations.

Suitable for

Shampoos and gels for all hair typesBody products

Main Actions

✓ Pearlescent effect (opacification)✓ Conditioning✓ Thickening and foam stabilization

Why is the shampoo shiny?

The pearlescent effect in shampoos is almost always due to Glycol Distearate (or its analogs: ethylene glycol distearate, PEG-3 distearate). It does not "treat" the hair by itself — this is purely an aesthetic function, but psychologically it is associated with product richness and effectiveness. An alternative is mica or pearlescent powder, but GDS provides a more stable effect in a liquid consistency.

CategoryEmollients

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