Polyethylene glycol is not a surfactant
Polyethylene-glycol is a polyether with two hydroxyls, described by average molecular weight. PEG 200–600 are liquids used as solvents and humectants. PEG 1000–8000 are waxy solids used as ointment bases, tablet binders, plasticisers and mould-release aids. Hydroxyl value falls as molecular weight rises. Do not confuse PEG with a fatty alcohol ethoxylate of similar viscosity, and do not confuse it with polypropylene glycol.
Polysorbates and sorbitan esters
Polysorbates are ethoxylated sorbitan esters, usually around 20 moles of ethylene oxide. Polysorbate 20, 40, 60 and 80 types follow the fatty acid: laurate, palmitate, stearate and oleate. They are hydrophilic oil-in-water emulsifiers and solubilisers. The matching lipophilic partners are Sorbitan Esters of the same fatty acid. Ordering both from one plant keeps the acid cut aligned. These INCI names are the specification; there is no need to quote a third-party trade name.
When the brief says PEG-free
Polysorbates contain polyoxyethylene. If the brand needs a PEG-free claim, look at Polyglycerates and Polyglycerol esters instead. Polyglycerol is polymerised glycerol with no ethylene oxide in the backbone. Its fatty-acid esters walk HLB from water-in-oil to oil-in-water by changing polyglycerol degree and the acid cut. They are not drop-in replacements for a polysorbate 80 type; plan a full emulsion trial.
Specification checklist
Put the application, the substrate, temperature, pH and any APEO or formaldehyde limit on the first enquiry. INCI or chemical names, cloud point, hydroxyl value, saponification value and colour are the numbers Dyna Glycols can lock on a TDS for this Ethoxylates topic. A warehouse nickname is not a specification.
Samples and documents
Request a laboratory sample of the related Ethoxylates grade together with the current SDS and TDS. The certificate of analysis is issued for the shipping lot after manufacture at Kandla SEZ. Once the trial is approved, freeze the identity tests so later drums of this chemistry match the article you evaluated.