DISTEARETH-100 IPDI ●
TL;DR. It is a nonionic associative thickener and rheology modifier used to build viscosity, stabilize emulsions, and give lotions, creams, and gels a smoother flow profile.
What does DISTEARETH-100 IPDI do in a cosmetic formula?
It is a nonionic associative thickener and rheology modifier used to build viscosity, stabilize emulsions, and give lotions, creams, and gels a smoother flow profile.
Is DISTEARETH-100 IPDI clean?
From a clean standards lens, this ingredient has friction because it is an ethoxylated synthetic polymer, so brands often require controls for residual ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. The finished high-molecular-weight material is generally low-irritation at typical cosmetic use levels.
Is DISTEARETH-100 IPDI sustainable?
It is synthetic, typically made from petrochemical inputs and fatty-alcohol-derived feedstocks, and it is not considered readily biodegradable. Its polymeric, highly ethoxylated structure gives it more environmental persistence than simple plant oils, sugars, or fatty alcohols.
Is DISTEARETH-100 IPDI COSMOS-approved?
It is generally not permitted under COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic because it relies on ethoxylation and synthetic polyurethane chemistry. From a Green Chemistry view, it scores lower on renewable content, biodegradability, and end-of-life simplicity, even though it can deliver thickening efficiently at low dosage.
How does DISTEARETH-100 IPDI work chemically?
The molecule is a hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane polymer: water-compatible polyether segments support dispersion, while long alkyl groups associate with surfactant micelles and oil droplets to build viscosity. It is commonly used at low levels, often about 0.1 to 2%, and performance can shift with surfactant type, electrolyte load, oil phase, and pH in mildly acidic to neutral systems.
Last updated 2026-08-16