Home Cosmetic Science Talk Formulating Signs of having too much emulsifier in emulsion

  • Signs of having too much emulsifier in emulsion

    Posted by Abdullah on November 15, 2021 at 6:42 am

    As i am adding samll oil phase (5%) in emulsion i am afraid if i am using too much emulsifier.

    I am using
    ssl+GMS 4% in one product at pH 5

    SPDMA+Polyglyceryl 4 Laurate+ GMS or GMO  at pH 4 in another emulsion

    what are the signs of having too much emulsifiers in an emulsion?

    Abdullah replied 3 years ago 2 Members · 2 Replies
  • 2 Replies
  • Paprik

    Member
    November 16, 2021 at 2:39 am

    Are you using any silicone that cuts micro foaming? 
    If so, try to remove it and see. If it foams on the skin when rubbing, then yes, you are having too much emulsifier. 

    However, if you are happy with the viscosity/creaminess and no one is experiencing any irritation (from anionic emulsifiers) you can leave it as is.

    You may also avoid anionic emulsifier for this % lipid input, use only non-ionic which most likely won’t cause any irritation and you’re safe. :)

  • Abdullah

    Member
    November 16, 2021 at 4:58 am

    Paprik said:

    Are you using any silicone that cuts micro foaming? yes dimethicone 5cst
    If so, try to remove it and see. If it foams on the skin when rubbing, then yes, you are having too much emulsifier. that is a good point

    However, if you are happy with the viscosity/creaminess and no one is experiencing any irritation (from anionic emulsifiers) you can leave it as is. no one experiencing any irritation but it is said too much emulsifier to oil ratio reduces long term stability the same as too little emulsifier to oil ratio. And 3-4% emulsifier to 5% oil looks high in ratio. My consern is about stability. 

    You may also avoid anionic emulsifier for this % lipid input, use only non-ionic which most likely won’t cause any irritation and you’re safe. :) the percentage of of anionic surfactant is low, below 0.8%. 
    I was even thinking of using SLES or SLS but i don’t know what are there upper limit in leave on Product and common usage rate that doesn’t cause problem. 

Log in to reply.

Chemists Corner