Home Cosmetic Science Talk Formulating Advanced Questions Should Polysorbate 80 solve my separation issue?

  • Should Polysorbate 80 solve my separation issue?

    Posted by Thenewkidotb on June 1, 2023 at 4:05 am

    I have a mix of Peppermint, salvia, verbascum and a bit of eucalyptus as well as ethanol glycerol in a little formula. Unfortunately, I am seeing massive separation in the oils. Would, lets say making the formula consist of 10% polysorbate fix this? Has anyone had issues where polysorbate has NOT solved their separation issues.

    Abdullah replied 10 months, 4 weeks ago 4 Members · 3 Replies
  • 3 Replies
  • fareloz

    Member
    June 1, 2023 at 4:59 am

    1. It is impossible to answer without knowing your FULL formula

    2. 10% polysorbate will give foaming. It is a surfactant after all. Usually used to solubilize a SMALL amount of oil soluble ingredients (extracts). In high amount it gives unpleasant foamy feeling.

    3. PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is somewhat more aesthetically pleasant

  • Perry44

    Administrator
    June 1, 2023 at 8:22 am

    Sure, there are lots of instances when Polysorbate 80 doesn’t solve a separation issue. Why formulas separate and the solution to that problem depends on many factors. The HLB of the oils for one. You can certainly try it but it may not work. Some sort of polymeric associative thickener/emulsifier may be more reliable if the system is appropriate for it.

  • Abdullah

    Member
    June 1, 2023 at 9:01 pm

    How much oils do you have?

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