TEGO CARE SE 121 MB, Sucrose Stearate, 1 kg

TEGO CARE SE 121 MB is sucrose stearate, a non-ionic emulsifier for oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. In a formulation, it works as an emulsifier or co-emulsifier: it binds the oil phase and water phase into a stable cream or lotion and also influences its consistency and skin feel.

The raw material is made from renewable sources, from sucrose and fatty acids of vegetable origin. It is one of the PEG-free emulsifiers, so it is of particular interest to manufacturers who avoid polyethylene glycol in their formulations.

Key properties

• O/W emulsifier – for emulsions where water is the external phase, i.e. common creams and face or body lotions.
• Co-emulsifier – alongside the main emulsifier, it improves emulsion stability and contributes to its consistency and skin feel.
• PEG-free – widens the options when formulating recipes without polyethylene glycol ingredients.
• Made from renewable raw materials – an ester of sugar and fatty acids of vegetable origin.
• Low irritation potential – sucrose stearate is considered an emulsifier that causes little skin irritation.

Use in a formulation

Sucrose stearate is added to O/W emulsions as the main emulsifier or as a co-emulsifier alongside another emulsifier. In the latter role, it strengthens the emulsion and makes it more resistant to breaking down, while also changing its consistency and feel on the skin. The specific result depends on the chosen main emulsifier, the proportion of the oil phase and the other ingredients in the formulation.

Determine the usage rate and incorporation method on a test batch, and monitor the stability of the finished emulsion over time.

Suitable for products such as

• Face creams – including formulations for sensitive skin, where an emulsifier with low irritation potential is a good fit.
• Body creams and lotions – O/W emulsions in which the co-emulsifier helps maintain stability even with a thinner consistency.
• PEG-free formulations – as a replacement for or addition to emulsifiers where the manufacturer does not want polyethylene glycol ingredients.

Good to know

The main emulsifier creates the emulsion, while the co-emulsifier complements it and fine-tunes its properties. Sucrose stearate can be used in both roles; the choice depends on the rest of the emulsifying system and on the required consistency.

As this is a raw material for aqueous emulsions, the finished product requires preservation. Check compatibility with a specific preservative, active ingredients and thickeners in the finished formulation.

Frequently asked questions