Home Cosmetic Science Talk Formulating w/o emulsifiers in o/w emulsions

  • w/o emulsifiers in o/w emulsions

    Posted by Shams on November 17, 2022 at 11:21 pm

    Hi everyone,

    Can a w/o emulsifier with HLB around 5, be used as a co-emulsifier in o/w emulsions? Can this be considered a general rule? are there any exceptions/considerations?
    TIA

    Shams replied 1 year, 6 months ago 3 Members · 3 Replies
  • 3 Replies
  • Bill_Toge

    Member
    November 17, 2022 at 11:24 pm

    with O/W it’s good practise to include both a high and low HLB emulsifier, in order to maximise stability - if you can add an ionic emulsifier as well, that’s even better

  • Paprik

    Member
    November 18, 2022 at 12:10 am

    As mentioned, it is a good practice/idea to add a little bit (around 1-2%) of low HLB emulsifier. It will build up viscosity, lower the overall HLB (can help with soaping effect) and improve stability. 

    Just make sure you have enough high HLB emulsifier and test stability - 6 cycles of freeze/thaw. 

  • Shams

    Member
    November 18, 2022 at 2:14 am

    Thanks

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