Glycols & Polyols Available — Bulk Only

Ethylene Glycol Distearate (Glycol Distearate, EGDS)

EG / MEG
CAS 627-83-8 · Formula C38H74O4 · MW 595.0 g/mol

A stearate diester that delivers pearlescence and body to surfactant formulations. In surfactant systems it imparts a pearl or opaque appearance while also acting as an emulsifier, emollient, and viscosity modifier.

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HS Code
2915.70
At a Glance
Material Family
Glycols & Polyols
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Surfactancy · Viscosity Modification
Functional Roles
GLYCOL DISTEARATE
OPACIFYINGSKIN CONDITIONINGSKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENTSURFACTANT - EMULSIFYINGVISCOSITY CONTROLLING
Industries Served
Applications & Use Cases
  • Pearlizing agent: Creates a pearlescent effect in cleansers and shampoos.
  • Opacifier: Imparts opacity to liquid formulations.
  • Emulsifier: Stabilizes emulsions in personal-care products.
  • Emollient: Skin-conditioning ester in formulations.
  • Viscosity modifier: Thickens and bodies surfactant systems.
Physical Properties
Melting Point
79 °C
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

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HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
2915 . 70
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.15
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2915.70
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
627-83-8
Molecular Formula
C38H74O4
Molecular Weight
595.0 g/mol
IUPAC Name
2-octadecanoyloxyethyl octadecanoate
INCI Name
GLYCOL DISTEARATE
PubChem CID
InChI Key
FPVVYTCTZKCSOJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
Ethylene glycol distearate Glycol distearate Ethylene distearate OCTADECANOIC ACID, 1,2-ETHANEDIYL ESTER Genapol PMs Secoster DMS Alkamuls EGDS Kemester EGDS Lexemul EGDS McAlester EGDS Kessco EGDS Mapeg EGDS Lipo EGDS Rita EDGS Rewopal PG 280 1,2-Ethanediyl bis(octadecanoate) Glycol distearate (USAN) Emalex EG-diS
Full Description

Ethylene glycol distearate (CAS 627-83-8) is the diester of ethylene glycol and stearic acid, a waxy solid used mainly as a pearlescent and opacifying agent. In surfactant systems it imparts a pearl or opaque appearance while also acting as an emulsifier, emollient, and viscosity modifier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ethylene glycol distearate the same as glycerin?

No. Ethylene glycol distearate (EGDS, CAS 627-83-8) is the diester of ethylene glycol and stearic acid, a waxy solid (C38H74O4). Glycerin is a separate trihydric alcohol. They differ in structure and function — EGDS is used mainly as a pearlescent/opacifying agent, not as a humectant.

What is ethylene glycol distearate used for?

EGDS is used mainly as a pearlizing and opacifying agent in cleansers and shampoos, imparting a pearl or opaque appearance. In surfactant systems it also functions as an emulsifier, emollient ester, and viscosity modifier.

What is the INCI name and CAS number?

The INCI name is Glycol Distearate and the CAS number is 627-83-8 (formula C38H74O4). RawSource provides identity documentation and a CoA with each shipment for incoming-QC verification.

What form does RawSource supply ethylene glycol distearate in?

EGDS is a waxy solid typically supplied as flakes, beads, or pastilles for surfactant and personal-care formulation. RawSource distributes it in bulk with CoA and SDS provided. Specify form and quantity when requesting a quote.

What is the cost of bulk ethylene glycol distearate?

Pricing depends on grade, physical form, packaging, and volume. Submit a bulk RFQ with your specification and quantity for a current quote; we do not publish spot prices.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.