What Is Polyethylene Glycol Oleate (PEG Oleate)?
Polyethylene Glycol Oleate (PEG Oleate) is a nonionic surfactant synthesized by the esterification of polyethylene glycol (PEG) of varying molecular weights with oleic acid (C18:1), a naturally derived C18 unsaturated fatty acid. The resulting monoester or diester product contains a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol chain and a lipophilic oleate tail - a classic amphiphilic architecture that drives its outstanding emulsification, wetting, dispersing, and solubilizing performance across dozens of industrial and consumer applications.
A defining advantage of PEG Oleate as a surfactant platform is its tunable HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance). By selecting the molecular weight of the PEG starting material, the HLB can be precisely adjusted from ~5 (low MW, more lipophilic, W/O emulsions) to ~15 (high MW, more hydrophilic, O/W emulsions and aqueous systems). This tunability allows formulators to dial in the exact emulsification or wetting behavior required for their specific application without complex surfactant blending.
PEG Oleate is nonionic - it carries no electrical charge - making it universally compatible with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants, as well as with electrolytes and hard water. It is stable across pH 3–11, readily biodegradable, and mild in skin and ecotoxicological profiles. SinoLook Chem manufactures and exports a full grade range (PEG 200 to PEG 4000, mono- and dioleate) from ISO 9001-certified facilities, with custom HLB, color, acid value, and oleic acid source options available.
PEG Oleate Grade Series
The grade is defined by the molecular weight of the polyethylene glycol used in esterification, which directly determines the HLB value, physical state, and application suitability. All grades are available as monooleate or dioleate - please specify when requesting a quotation or sample.
PEG Oleate Grade Selection Guide
| Grade | PEG MW (g/mol) | Approx. HLB | Primary Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEG 200 Oleate | 200 | ~5–6 | W/O emulsions, lubricant additives, metalworking fluids, fiber lubricants |
| PEG 400 Oleate | 400 | ~8–9 | O/W & W/O emulsions, cosmetic emollients, textile softeners, oilfield emulsifiers |
| PEG 600 Oleate | 600 | ~10–11 | O/W emulsions, cosmetic creams & lotions, solubilizers, agrochemical formulations |
| PEG 1000 Oleate | 1000 | ~12–13 | O/W emulsions, personal care, industrial cleaning, dispersants |
| PEG 1500 Oleate | 1500 | ~13–14 | High-HLB emulsifiers, solubilizers in aqueous systems, waterborne coatings |
| PEG 4000 Oleate | 4000 | ~15 | Specialty solubilizers, pharmaceutical excipients, high-water-content formulations |
| Custom Grades | Customizable | As required | Application-specific grades developed per customer specification - contact our technical team |
HLB Selection Guide: Lower HLB (5–8) → W/O emulsions, lubricants, oilfield, metalworking. Mid HLB (8–12) → O/W emulsions, cosmetics, textile processing. Higher HLB (12–15) → solubilizers, dispersants, aqueous cleaning, waterborne coatings. When in doubt, contact our technical team with your oil phase composition and target application for a grade recommendation.
Key Performance Advantages of PEG Oleate
Six core performance advantages make PEG Oleate one of the most versatile nonionic surfactant platforms for industrial and consumer product formulators.
💧 Excellent Emulsification
Strongly adsorbs at oil-water interfaces, reducing interfacial tension and forming stable, fine-droplet emulsions resistant to creaming, coalescence, and phase separation. Effective for mineral oils, vegetable oils, silicone oils, synthetic esters, and waxes across a wide pH and temperature range.
🌊 Superior Wetting & Dispersing
Significantly reduces surface tension of aqueous systems, enabling effective wetting of hydrophobic substrates - synthetic fibers, polymer surfaces, mineral pigments, and metal surfaces. Improves dye penetration, pigment dispersion, agrochemical coverage, and industrial cleaning efficiency.
🔗 Universal Compatibility
Nonionic - no electrical charge - so it is inherently compatible with anionic (LAS, SDS, fatty acid soaps), cationic (CTAC, BTAC), amphoteric (betaines), and other nonionic surfactants. Also compatible with electrolytes, hard water, most oils, solvents, waxes, and polymers.
🌱 Biodegradable & Environmentally Mild
Derived from renewable oleic acid (palm, sunflower, or tallow) and PEG; readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions. Low aquatic toxicity, mild skin profile. Suitable for eco-friendly formulations, food-contact lubricants, and regulated applications with stringent environmental requirements.
🛡️ Wide-Condition Stability
Stable across pH 3–11 (acidic, neutral, alkaline systems); good thermal stability at elevated processing temperatures; hydrolysis-resistant under moderate conditions; maintains performance in the presence of salts and hard water. Reliable and easy to formulate with across diverse processing environments.
🎛️ Tunable HLB & Custom Grades
PEG chain length precisely controls HLB (5–15), ester ratio (mono/dioleate) adjusts lipophilicity, and oleic acid source (palm/sunflower/tallow/synthetic) can be specified. Allows formulators to tailor performance to their exact requirements - eliminating complex multi-surfactant blends in many applications.
PEG Oleate Industrial Applications
PEG Oleate serves as a critical functional ingredient across six major industrial and consumer sectors.
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Emulsifier, solubilizer, skin conditioning agent, and wetting agent in creams, lotions, hair conditioners, bath oils, and cleansing products. PEG 400 and PEG 600 Oleate are the most widely used grades for cosmetic O/W emulsification. Mild, low-irritation; suitable for sensitive skin.
Textile & Dyeing Industry
Wetting agent, fiber lubricant, dyeing assistant, and emulsifier for synthetic and natural fiber processing. Improves dye penetration and uniform color distribution; reduces fiber breakage in high-speed spinning. PEG 400 Oleate is most used for synthetic fiber lubricant formulations.
Lubricants & Metalworking Fluids
Dispersing agent, emulsifier, and anti-wear additive in water-based cutting fluids, grinding coolants, and rolling oils. Stabilizes emulsions against hard water; keeps metal fines and swarf suspended; provides surface film protection on ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
Oilfield Chemicals
Emulsifier, demulsifier component, and wetting agent in drilling fluids, completion fluids, and crude oil emulsion breaker formulations. Excellent performance in petroleum-based systems under high temperature and salinity downhole. Also used in invert-emulsion drilling fluid stabilization.
Agrochemical Formulations
Emulsifier and solubilizer in pesticide emulsifiable concentrates (EC), suspension concentrates (SC), and microemulsions. Improves active ingredient solubility, spray spreadability, and rainfastness on leaf surfaces. Biodegradable profile supports registration in eco-labeled formulations.
Industrial Cleaning
Wetting agent, dispersant, and emulsifier in industrial degreasers, hard-surface cleaners, and metal cleaning formulations. Effectively removes oils, greases, and particulate soils from metal and polymer surfaces. Compatible with acidic and alkaline cleaning formulations.
Technical Specifications & CoA
Standard specifications for PEG 400 Oleate (most widely supplied grade) are shown below. Specifications for all other grades and custom parameters are available on request. A full Certificate of Analysis (CoA), Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS), and Technical Data Sheet (TDS) are provided with every shipment.
PEG 400 Oleate - Reference Grade Specification & Typical CoA Results
| Parameter | Specification | Typical CoA Result |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance (25 °C) | Light yellow liquid to soft solid | Light yellow liquid |
| Active Content, wt% | ≥ 98.0% | 98.5 – 99.2% |
| Acid Value, mg KOH/g | ≤ 5.0 mg KOH/g | 2.0 – 3.5 mg KOH/g |
| Saponification Value, mg KOH/g | 70 – 90 mg KOH/g | 78 – 85 mg KOH/g |
| HLB Value | 8.0 – 9.5 | 8.5 – 9.0 |
| Viscosity (25 °C), mPa·s | 200 – 400 mPa·s | 260 – 320 mPa·s |
| Water Content, wt% | ≤ 1.0% | 0.3 – 0.6% |
| Color (Gardner) | ≤ 5 | 2 – 4 |
| pH (1% aq., 25 °C) | 5.0 – 7.5 | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Heavy Metals | ≤ 10 ppm | < 5 ppm |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤ 0.1% | < 0.05% |
Customization Options
| Parameter | Available Range / Options |
|---|---|
| PEG Molecular Weight | PEG-200, PEG-400, PEG-600, PEG-1000, PEG-1500, PEG-2000, PEG-4000, or any intermediate MW |
| Ester Type | Monooleate (higher HLB, better O/W emulsification) or Dioleate (lower HLB, better W/O / lubrication) |
| HLB Value | ~5 to ~15, controlled by PEG chain length and ester ratio |
| Color Grade | Standard (Gardner ≤ 5), low-color (Gardner ≤ 3), ultra-low-color cosmetic grade (Gardner ≤ 2) |
| Acid Value | Standard (≤ 5 mg KOH/g) or low acid value (≤ 2 mg KOH/g) for sensitive applications |
| Oleic Acid Source | Palm-derived, sunflower-derived, tallow-derived, or high-purity synthetic oleic acid |
| OEM / Private Label | Custom labeling, brand name printing, and formulation confidentiality agreements available |
B2B Supply Solutions & Pricing
SinoLook Chem manufactures and exports PEG Oleate to B2B clients in 50+ countries. Over 15 years of experience; transparent, market-aligned pricing with volume discounts and fixed-price contracts for long-term buyers.
| Order Volume | Packaging | Included Services |
|---|---|---|
| 25 – 200 kg (Trial Order) | 25 kg plastic drums / 200 kg steel drums | CoA, SDS, TDS; free sample option; customization consultation |
| 200 – 5,000 kg (Regular Supply) | 200 kg drums / 1,000 kg IBC tanks | Volume discount; dedicated account manager; custom grades; priority scheduling |
| 5,000+ kg (Bulk / Long-Term) | IBC tanks / bulk tanker / custom | Lowest per-unit price; fixed-price contract; OEM/private label; 24/7 support |
📦 MOQ
25 kg for trial orders. Free samples: 500 g – 2 kg with full CoA for qualified buyers.
🚢 Delivery Terms
FOB, CIF, EXW, DDP available. Ex-Shanghai, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Tianjin. Consolidation with other Sinolook products to optimize freight.
⏱ Response Time
Customized quote within 12 hours. Shelf life: 12 months from production date under proper storage.
💳 Payment Terms
T/T 30% advance, 70% vs B/L. L/C at sight for large orders. Fixed-price contracts for long-term supply.
- ✓ ISO 9001 · ISO 14001 certified - advanced esterification production lines with automated reaction systems and continuous filtration
- ✓ Full export documentation: CoA, SDS/MSDS, TDS, Certificate of Origin, packing list, bill of lading
- ✓ EU REACH compliance documentation; INCI name confirmation for cosmetic raw material applications
- ✓ Halal / Kosher certification documentation available on request (depending on oleic acid source)
- ✓ Free samples 500 g – 2 kg with full CoA; OEM and private label available; custom grade development service
- ✓ 24/7 technical support - HLB selection, emulsion formulation design, compatibility testing, regulatory documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
Common technical and commercial questions about Polyethylene Glycol Oleate from our B2B customers worldwide.
What is PEG Oleate and what is it used for?
Polyethylene Glycol Oleate (PEG Oleate) is a nonionic surfactant produced by esterifying polyethylene glycol (PEG) with oleic acid (C18:1). It functions as an emulsifier, wetting agent, solubilizer, dispersant, lubricant, and fiber softener depending on the grade and application. Major uses include: cosmetic and personal care emulsions (creams, lotions, bath oils), textile fiber lubrication and dyeing assistance, water-based metalworking fluid emulsification, oilfield drilling fluid and demulsifier formulations, agrochemical emulsifiable concentrates, and industrial cleaning and degreasing formulations.
What is the difference between PEG Monooleate and PEG Dioleate?
PEG Monooleate has one oleate ester group per PEG chain, leaving the other end of the PEG chain as a free hydroxyl group. This gives it a higher HLB value and better performance as an O/W emulsifier and solubilizer. PEG Dioleate has both ends of the PEG chain esterified with oleate groups, resulting in a lower HLB value, more lipophilic character, and better performance as a W/O emulsifier, lubricant additive, and fiber softener. For the same PEG molecular weight, monooleate will always have a higher HLB than dioleate - please specify your ester type preference when requesting a quotation or sample.
Which PEG Oleate grade should I use for cosmetic emulsions?
For oil-in-water (O/W) cosmetic emulsions (creams, lotions, serums, and bath oils), PEG 400 Oleate (HLB ~8–9) and PEG 600 Oleate (HLB ~10–11) are the most widely used grades due to their optimal HLB range for O/W emulsification and good skin compatibility. PEG 1000 Oleate (HLB ~12–13) is suitable as a co-emulsifier or solubilizer in high-water-content formulations such as micellar waters and toners. We supply cosmetic-grade PEG Oleate with ultra-low color (Gardner ≤ 2), low acid value (≤ 2 mg KOH/g), and full INCI documentation on request.
Is PEG Oleate safe for use in cosmetics and personal care?
PEG Oleate is widely used in cosmetic and personal care products globally and is generally considered mild and low-sensitizing when used at standard formulation levels. It is compatible with a broad range of cosmetic actives, polymers, and preservative systems, and is suitable for both rinse-off and leave-on products. Its biodegradable profile and low aquatic toxicity make it suitable for eco-labeled formulations. INCI name confirmation and EU Cosmetics Regulation compliance documentation are available with our cosmetic-grade supply.
Do higher-MW PEG Oleate grades solidify at room temperature?
Yes. Higher-molecular-weight grades (PEG 1000 and above) may solidify or become waxy at room temperature (<25 °C) because the long PEG chain increases the melting point of the product. This is normal and does not affect product quality or performance. Before use, simply warm the product to 40–60 °C until fully liquefied and mix thoroughly. Store in a heated warehouse (above 30 °C) for high-MW grades if continuous liquid handling is required. PEG 400 Oleate and lower grades typically remain liquid at room temperature.
Can you supply custom HLB or custom oleic acid source grades?
Yes. As a manufacturer with our own esterification production lines, we can develop custom PEG Oleate grades to meet specific application requirements. Customizable parameters include PEG molecular weight (any MW from PEG-200 to PEG-4000), ester type (monooleate/dioleate ratio), target HLB value, acid value (≤ 2 or ≤ 5 mg KOH/g), color grade (Gardner ≤ 2, ≤ 3, or ≤ 5), and oleic acid source (palm, sunflower, tallow, or synthetic). OEM and private label services are available. Please provide your target specifications and application details to our technical team for a grade recommendation and sample arrangement.
What is the PEG Oleate price?
PEG Oleate pricing depends on the grade (PEG MW), ester type (mono/dioleate), color specification, order volume, and delivery terms. Volume discounts apply from 200 kg regular orders, with fixed-price contract options for 5,000+ kg long-term supply agreements. Contact sales@sinolookchem.com or WhatsApp +86 134 0071 5622 with your grade requirements and destination for a customized quote within 12 hours.
How do I place an order or request a free sample?
Free samples (500 g – 2 kg) with full CoA are available for qualified buyers. To order or request a sample:
- Step 1: Contact us with your grade requirements (PEG MW, ester type, HLB target), quantity, delivery terms, and destination.
- Step 2: Receive a customized quote within 12 hours including price, lead time, and full documentation list.
- Step 3: Request a free sample (500 g – 2 kg) with full CoA for evaluation in your formulation or process.
- Step 4: Confirm your order - our team handles production scheduling, packaging, documentation, and freight booking end-to-end.
- Step 5: Receive your shipment on time with full traceability documentation and post-delivery technical support.
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