Question 1

What does PEG-150/Decyl Alcohol/SMDI Copolymer do in a cosmetic formula?

Accepted Answer

This ingredient is an associative thickener and rheology modifier, mainly used to build viscosity in shampoos, body washes, cleansers, and other water-based systems. It can also help stabilize suspended particles and improve a cushiony gel texture.

Question 2

Is PEG-150/Decyl Alcohol/SMDI Copolymer clean?

Accepted Answer

It is generally low in direct irritation because of its large molecular size, but clean-beauty standards often scrutinize it because it is synthetic and made through ethoxylated chemistry. Supplier controls matter for trace processing residues.

Question 3

Is PEG-150/Decyl Alcohol/SMDI Copolymer sustainable?

Accepted Answer

This material is primarily petrochemical-derived and is not considered readily biodegradable. DARE scores it lower for environmental fit because persistence and end-of-life behavior are less favorable than simpler, renewable thickeners.

Question 4

Is PEG-150/Decyl Alcohol/SMDI Copolymer COSMOS-approved?

Accepted Answer

This ingredient is not permitted under COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic standards because it is a synthetic ethoxylated polymer. Its Green Chemistry fit is weak, with limited renewable sourcing and limited ready biodegradability, although it can create viscosity at relatively low use levels.

Question 5

How does PEG-150/Decyl Alcohol/SMDI Copolymer work chemically?

Accepted Answer

The molecule is a high-molecular-weight associative urethane polymer with hydrophilic polyether segments and hydrophobic alkyl groups, which lets it thicken by forming transient networks with surfactant micelles and dispersed oil droplets. Typical use is often around 0.2% to 2% active in aqueous systems, and viscosity can shift with surfactant type, salt level, fragrance oils, pH, and processing shear.