• Provides a creamy, pearlescent finish to shampoos and washes
• Improves viscosity and texture without greasiness
• Helps stabilize emulsions and surfactant blends
• Compatible with both anionic and non-ionic systems
• Widely used in conditioners, body washes, and baby products

EGMS (Ethylene Glycol Monostearate) – Pearlizing & Thickening Agent for Cosmetics

Ethylene Glycol Monostearate (EGMS) is a multi-functional cosmetic ingredient that acts as a pearlizing agent, opacifier, and mild thickener. It lends a creamy, glossy white appearance to shampoos, conditioners, facial cleansers, and liquid soaps. Derived from natural stearic acid and ethylene glycol, EGMS is gentle on skin and hair and provides a luxurious look and feel to formulations. Common in sulfate-free systems, it helps to stabilize surfactant mixtures and improve the rheology of emulsions.

INCI Name: Ethylene Glycol Monostearate

CAS Number: 111-60-4

Solubility: Dispersible in hot water; oil-dispersible

Add Phase: Heated oil or surfactant phase

pH Stability: 4.0 – 9.0

Processing Temperature: 65–75°C

Appearance: White waxy flakes or powder

Odor: Mild, fatty

Molecular Formula: C20H40O3

Molecular Weight: 328.53 g/mol

Flash Point: > 180°C

Density: ~0.9 g/cm³

Chemical Type: Non-ionic ester

Functional Groups: Hydroxyl, ester

Primary Cosmetic Uses: Shampoos, body washes, face cleansers, lotions, creams

• Usage Rate: 1% – 5%
• Phase: Add to heated oil/surfactant phase
• Ideal For: Shampoos, Cream Washes, Lotions, Baby Cleansers

✨ Combine EGMS with Cocamidopropyl Betaine or SCI in sulfate-free shampoos to get a high-end creamy pearl effect without adding weight or oiliness.

✔️ Safe for all skin types

✔️ Non-irritating and non-comedogenic

✔️ Gentle enough for baby care and daily-use products

1. Creamy Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Use 1–3% EGMS to achieve a soft, pearly finish and thick feel in clear surfactant blends.

2. Daily Body Wash

Add 2–3% to enrich body washes with a creamy, luxurious texture and mild foam.

3. Hair Conditioner

Use 1–2% as a co-thickener and appearance enhancer in cream conditioners.

4. Moisturizing Facial Cleanser

Enhance viscosity and texture while giving a soft, opalescent appearance.

5. Baby Wash & Shampoo

Add 1.5% in gentle formulations to improve appearance and glide without irritation.

Serums
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Too thick for serum textures.



Creams & Lotions
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Enhances texture and shine.



Toners
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not compatible with watery textures.



Face Masks
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – May be used in cream-based masks.



Cleansers
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Excellent for facial and body cleansers.



Hair Masks
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Adds shine and structure.



Deodorants
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not typically used.



Eye Creams
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Use with caution in delicate formulas.



Shampoos
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Signature use: shine and thickness.



Soaps
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not for high-pH cold/hot process soap.



Conditioners
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Enhances appearance and feel.



Lip Balms
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Incompatible with oil-only systems.



Body Butters
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Only usable in lotion butters.



Ointments
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not used in salve systems.

Q1: What is the main purpose of EGMS?

A1: EGMS is primarily used for pearlizing and thickening, especially in shampoo and body wash.

Q2: Is it natural or synthetic?

A2: EGMS is semi-synthetic, derived from natural stearic acid and ethylene glycol.

Q3: Will it affect foaming?

A3: EGMS adds texture and richness without reducing foam performance.

Q4: Can I use it in baby products?

A4: Yes — it’s mild and widely used in baby shampoos and body washes.

Q5: Can EGMS be used in leave-on products?

A5: It’s better suited to rinse-off products but may be used at low levels in creams.