Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Esters are non-toxic and non-iritant nonionic emulsifiers. They are prepared by the esterification of fatty acids with polyethylene glycols. The low molecular weight ranging PEG Esters are oil-soluble to work in nonaqueous systems. The high molecular esters are water-soluble can be used in aqueous systems. Polyethylene Glycol Esters are used as emulsifiers and in formulating emulsifer blends, thickener, resin plasticizer, emollient, opacifier, spreading agent, wetting and dispersing agent, and viscosity control agents. They also have application in the metalworking, pulp, paper, textile and as defoamers for latex paints.
The PEG ester family offers the formulator a wide range of HLB’s. These products make great co-emulsifiers in both water-in-oil and oil-in water systems where lubricity and low foaming are prerequisites. As a general rule, PEG ester help build viscosity and make good suspending agents. In the present study, we explain about raw material for production of PEG esters such as PEG then we review production of PEG esters by several methods and introduce some PEG esters producer in the world and explain about peoperties & application of PEG esters specially in cosmetic & detergent formulation. We explain about advantage of this proposed method for production of PEG esters.