PEG-8 Beeswax

About This Product

PEG-8 beeswax is produced by reacting beeswax, CAS 8012-89-3, with polyethylene glycol, CAS 25322-68-3, which attaches water-soluble PEG chains to the wax's fatty acid components. It carries the INCI name PEG-8 Beeswax and is supplied as pale waxy flakes or pastilles. Natural beeswax is almost entirely lipophilic. It structures an oil phase and forms an occlusive film, but it has very little affinity for water, so a cream built on beeswax needs a separate emulsifier and typically gives a heavy, greasy result. Grafting PEG chains onto part of the wax creates an amphiphilic molecule that keeps the wax backbone and its structuring ability while gaining a hydrophilic end. The modified wax therefore sits at the oil-water interface and emulsifies as well as thickens, which allows water-in-oil and oil-in-water systems to be built around beeswax itself. The practical effect is a lighter, smoother, less occlusive texture than a beeswax and borax system, with better water uptake and improved stability. It is used in creams and lotions, cold creams and cleansing balms, lipsticks and stick products, hair care and pharmaceutical ointments. Bio Green Wax supplies PEG-8 beeswax to specification on melting point, acid and saponification value, hydroxyl value, pH and colour.