PEG Surfactant Pluracare E 400 carries the identity of a polyethylene glycol ether designed for its performance as a non-ionic surfactant. Often found by its chemical name—Polyethylene Glycol 400—it is derived from ethylene oxide and exhibits a repeating chain structure recognized by the industry for consistency and reliability. Pluracare E 400 offers a versatile range of uses across personal care, pharmaceuticals, industrial formulations, and cleaning products, thanks to its unique combination of solubility and compatibility. Molecularly, its structure consists of repeating ethylene oxide units, indicated by the typical formula H-(OCH2CH2)n-OH.
A chemical like Pluracare E 400 comes with properties that bring both formulation flexibility and safety demands. Its average molecular weight hovers around 380–420 g/mol, lending it a density typically near 1.12 g/cm³ at 20°C. The product comes primarily as a clear, colorless to slightly yellowish, viscous liquid, although manufacturers sometimes provide it as flakes or crystals for specific processing needs. Pluracare E 400 delivers robust water solubility, a feature that underpins its broad acceptance in industries seeking reliable dispersion, especially in pharmaceutical and cosmetic creams. The surfactant's hygroscopic nature means it readily absorbs water from its surroundings, requiring air-tight containers for storage.
Commercial suppliers refer to Pluracare E 400 in liquid, powder, or occasionally pearl form—with each physical state suitable for tailored handling and blending applications. The chemical formula can be summarized as C2nH4n+2On+1. A glance at the material's safety data sheet gives a sense of the substance's benign character—low vapor pressure, high flash point above 200°C, and stability under recommended handling conditions. Most regulatory authorities, including REACH and FDA, recognize this raw material for its low acute toxicity, though direct contact with eyes or prolonged skin exposure may bring mild irritation in sensitive users.
Personal care products turn to Pluracare E 400 for its emulsifying and solubilizing capabilities. Shampoos, body washes, and creams rely on its ability to combine oil and water phases, preventing separation and giving products a smooth, stable texture. Pharmaceutical syrups and ointments benefit from PEG 400’s ability to dissolve active ingredients, while the food industry sees limited but focused use thanks to strict food-grade standards. I see its presence regularly in industrial cleaning agents, where detergents made for hospitals and commercial kitchens favor PEG surfactants for reducing surface tension and easily lifting soils and fats. The HS Code for Pluracare E 400 generally falls under 3402.13, reflecting its designation as an organic surface-active agent.
From an operations perspective, Pluracare E 400’s low toxicity underlines its “safe” tag in most manufacturing and workplace settings. Spills or excessive exposure might present a slip hazard in liquid form, especially on smooth surfaces. The chemical itself is considered non-hazardous for shipping and storage—no need for specialized storage beyond standard bulk chemical guidelines. A few users with a background in specialized coatings or adhesives may also recognize PEG 400 for its value in plasticizing polymer systems and controlling viscosity without complicating the finished material’s regulatory profile.
As a raw material, Pluracare E 400 delivers both reliability and predictability because of its consistent chain length and narrow specification window. Suppliers publish detailed certificates of analysis for each batch, listing molar mass, specific gravity, water content, and trace impurity levels. Keeping a drum of this PEG in my work area means reading the label for the net weight—most containers hold 25kg or 200kg for industrial use—and looking for clear, sealed packaging since atmospheric moisture can compromise the product if left unchecked.
Employees handling Pluracare E 400 learn quickly about the mild, sweet odor typical to PEG products and find that its texture avoids clumping, whether used as a liquid, soft flakes, or fine powder. Specialists in chemical supply management approach PEG 400 as a low-risk, high-volume ingredient because waste streams can be managed without special hazardous waste protocols. Clean-up after spills involves routine water washing since the substance dilutes easily in most settings, reducing both environmental and occupational health risks compared to more reactive or toxic surfactants.
Discussing hazards, Pluracare E 400 earns its safe profile through repeated evaluation by chemical safety agencies. Drinking, inhaling, or contacting small amounts rarely triggers harmful effects, though manufacturers still encourage gloves and standard eye protection during handling. The substance resists combustion, so workplace risk assessment focuses on slip prevention and keeping containers tightly closed. People working with concentrated forms sometimes note minor skin dryness, prompting basic skin care practices rather than medical intervention.
Compliance officers know the value of Pluracare E 400’s registration status under major chemical inventories—US TSCA, EU REACH, Japanese ENCS. Global supply chains rely on these data points, with HS Code documentation and accurate labeling required for smooth cross-border movement. For anyone questioning the suitability of PEGs, research confirms the material breaks down over time and does not accumulate in biological systems, a fact that supports its approval in pharmaceuticals and regulated consumer products.
The continued demand for Pluracare E 400 reflects its balance of affordability, safety, and performance. Managing quality from raw chemical to finished product remains key. Over the years, technical teams find that problems usually trace back to improper storage or inadvertent contamination, not inherent flaws in the PEG itself. Training line staff to recognize the material’s properties—understanding viscosity, density, and physical state at different temperatures—reduces mistakes that could affect quality and safety.
Environmental concerns about surfactants call for clear labeling and education, ensuring end-users understand both the limits and benefits of synthetic PEGs compared to bio-based alternatives. I have seen some plants explore blends with biodegradable surfactants to meet evolving sustainability targets. Still, the proven record of Pluracare E 400 in low-harm applications gives manufacturers confidence, especially when combined with modern environmental stewardship and waste-washing controls.
Future improvements may focus on further reducing trace impurities in manufacturing, or downstream recycling and reuse of PEG-containing waste. Maintaining trust in chemical safety means open communication from suppliers, transparent documentation on product sheets, and an ongoing commitment to high standards in both manufacturing and user training. Companies building safety cultures and keeping workers informed about material properties make the best use of PEG Surfactant Pluracare E 400—turning a simple surfactant into a reliable ingredient for everyday products.
