SugarThick (PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate) in Nonionic Surfactant Formulas

Thank you for your question regarding the use of SugarThick (PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate) in a liquid soap formula containing only nonionic surfactants.

You are correct in your observation. While SugarThick is a versatile thickener, its primary mechanism for building viscosity relies on associating with the micelles formed by ionic surfactants, particularly anionic surfactants like sulfates (e.g., SLS, SLES) or other common anionics (e.g., Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate). This interaction helps to create a more viscous network within the formula.

In a formula containing only nonionic surfactants, the micelle structure and interactions are different. SugarThick typically does not associate effectively with purely nonionic systems to provide significant thickening at the recommended usage rates (1-5%).

Therefore, to achieve the desired thickening effect with SugarThick, it is generally necessary to include one or more anionic surfactants in your liquid soap formula. The presence of anionic surfactants allows SugarThick to function correctly as an associative thickener.