Magnesium sulfate in emulsions

DoreenDoreen Member
in Formulating
What is the main reason of the addition of magnesium sulfate in O/W and W/O emulsions?

Comments

  • Bill_TogeBill_Toge Member, Professional Chemist
    in order to form a W/O emulsion, the water phase must be dispersed into the oil; this is complicated by the fact that water droplets have a much stronger tendency to aggregate than oil droplets do

    the purpose of magnesium sulphate is to increase the ionic strength of the water phase, hence increase its surface tension, and enable it to be dispersed more easily, allowing the emulsion to be formed more easily

    magnesium sulphate is generally used because it's a cheap, readily soluble and non-toxic salt with a divalent cation; divalent ions increase ionic strength more than monovalent ones such as sodium do

    in O/W emulsions, it serves no purpose whatsoever
    UK based formulation chemist. Strongest subjects: hair styling, hair bleaches, hair dyes (oxidative and non-oxidative) I know some stuff about: EU regulations, emulsions (O/W and W/O), toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoos, other toiletries
  • DoreenDoreen Member
    @Bill_Toge
    Thank you very much for explaining! :+1:
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