Home Cosmetic Science Talk Formulating HLB and choice of water/oil soluble emulsifier

  • HLB and choice of water/oil soluble emulsifier

    Posted by Rutuja on March 16, 2016 at 4:01 am

    Hi!
    I’m trying to formulate a cream(O/W emulsion). I have determined the required HLB of my oil phase and wanted to know, that when I try to match a blend of emulsifiers with this, should I go for oil soluble emulsifiers like PEG 40 or water soluble ones like polysorbates?

    Please help!
    Thanks!

    Rutuja replied 9 years ago 3 Members · 5 Replies
  • 5 Replies
  • Rutuja

    Member
    March 16, 2016 at 4:02 am

    Or can I used a combination of both oil and water soluble?

  • belassi

    Member
    March 16, 2016 at 5:47 am

    In general, try to combine a low HLB emulsifier such as glyceryl stearate with a high HLB emulsifier such as PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate.

  • Rutuja

    Member
    March 16, 2016 at 9:24 am

    Alright :)
    But in general,when we get the required HLB, is it alright if we use a combination of both water and oil based emulsifiers to meet the required HLB?
    Thanks!

  • OldPerry

    Professional Chemist / Formulator
    March 16, 2016 at 1:10 pm

    A combination would probably lead to a system with better stability.  But it really depends on the system and is only something that can be determined through testing.

  • Rutuja

    Member
    March 17, 2016 at 7:06 am

    Thanks a lot :)

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