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Arlamol PS11E
Polyoxypropylene Stearyl Ether PhEur
Arlamol PS11E is an exceptionally versatile emollient ingredient. Its use in topical pharmaceutical products
combines its excellent solvency properties (particularly with difficult-to-formulate actives) with a high degree of
moisturisation amongst other benefits. Arlamol PS11E also enables the formation of oleosomes when used in
conjunction with certain emulsifiers, offering remarkably enhanced stability and skin feel for pharmaceutical
O/W emulsions.

Key Benefits
 Non-occlusive polar emollient
 High level of moisturisation
 Excellent solvency and carrier properties
 Coupling agent for immiscible liquids such as mineral oil and
ethanol
 Enables the formation of oleosomes
 Improves water compatability
 Good spreading ability
 Enhances skin elasticity
 Resistant to extreme pH conditions

Applications
 Skin care, including acne and psoriasis treatments
 Facial care
 Baby care
 Hair care
 Bath oils

Structure

CH3
H OCH CH2 O (CH2)17 CH3
n

where n=10-15

Fig 1. Structure of Arlamol PS11E

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Oleosome formation
When Arlamol PS11E is emulsified with Brij S2 (PEG 2 Stearyl Ether) and Brij S721 (PEG 21 Stearyl Ether) to
produce an oil-in-water (O/W) cream or lotion, evidence of liquid crystalline structures known as oleosomes can
be seen using polarized light microscopy. Oleosomes consist of oil droplets surrounded by multiple lamellar
layers of water, emollient and emulsifier (Fig.2), which offer remarkable advantages with regard to the
physicochemical and dermatological properties of the O/W system. These extra layers of water and oil help to
give a luxurious skin feel and longer-lasting moisturisation. Oleosome formation also gives the O/W system
enhanced stability. This arises because the multilayers around the oil droplet form a rheological barrier to
coalescence, lowering the Van der Waals attraction forces and increasing the time for droplet coalescence to
occur.

Fig 2. Oleosome structure, showing oil droplets surrounded by multilamellar liquid crystalline phases

Benefits imparted by oleosome formation

 Increases stability of O/W systems of any oil phase type and at a wide range of internal phase volume (1-
70%)
 Controlled drug release
 Longer-lasting moisturisation:
 Up to 50% water bound up in swollen water layers1
 This water is less prone to evaporation
 In-vivo tests show that moisture retention lasts up to 3 times longer in O/W emulsions with lamellar
crystalline phases when compared to emulsions with no such phases2
 Superior skin feel
 Enhances penetration of lipophilic actives into the stratum corneum (outermost layer of the epidermis)
 Good drug delivery system for topical applications
 Easy to formulate

Typical properties
Appearance Colourless to slightly yellow liquid
Required HLB 7.5
Dynamic viscosity at 25°C Approx. 90 mPa.s
Pour point Typically below 5°C
Interfacial tension vs. water at 25°C 5.2 mN/m
Vapour pressure <1 mm Hg at 20°C
Spreading coefficient 35.3

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Solubility
Soluble in mineral oil, isopropyl esters, cottonseed oil, ethanol, isopropanol, hexadecyl alcohol.
Insoluble in water, propylene glycol, glycerin.

Regulatory status
CAS Number: 25231-21-4
Listed in the FDA Inactive Ingredient Guide
PhEur monograph compliant.

References
1. Junginger H, Heering W, DAZ 123(42), 1988 (1983)
2. Suzuki T, Tsutsumi H, Ishida A, 12th Int. Congress IFSCC, Paris, Abstracts, Vol I. 117-136, 1982

Non-warranty
The information in this publication is believed to be accurate and is given in good faith, but no representation or warranty as to its completeness or accuracy is
made. Suggestions for uses or applications are only opinions. Users are responsible for determining the suitability of these products for their own particular
purpose. No representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made with respect to information or products including, without limitation, warranties of
merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement of any third party patent or other intellectual property rights including, without limit, copyright,
trademark and designs. Any trademarks identified herein are trademarks of the Croda group of companies.
©2012 Croda Europe Ltd

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