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In cosmetic formulations emulsifiers function as essential components that stabilize mixtures of two liquids that normally cannot mix such as oil and water. The reduction of interfacial tension between two liquid phases enables the creation of stable droplets where one liquid becomes dispersed in the other forming an emulsion. The selection of proper emulsifiers plays a critical role in obtaining optimal product texture, stability, and sensory characteristics.

Nonionic emulsifiers achieve widespread usage in cosmetic industry because their neutral charge provides high chemical stability and minimizes skin irritation. Nonionic emulsifiers possess a chemical structure that includes both surfactant properties and an emulsifying effect through their hydrophilic groups which contain hydroxyl (-OH) or ether bonds (R-O-R') and their lipophilic groups that consist of high carbon fatty alcohol, fatty acid, high carbon fatty amine, fatty amide, and similar compounds. as lipophilic group.

Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)

Fatty Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ethers

These are formed by reacting fatty alcohols (like cetyl or stearyl alcohol) with ethylene oxide. The number following the "eth" prefix indicates the average number of ethylene oxide units. Higher numbers signify greater water solubility. They are commonly used in oil-in-water emulsions.

Polyethylene Glycol Fatty Acid Esters

Fatty acids such as stearic acid or castor oil undergo a reaction with polyethylene glycol to form these substances. The availability of various HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance) values allows these substances to be versatile in emulsion formulation.

Polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters demonstrate emulsifying properties and can also provide wettability and solubilization capabilities. Its various beneficial properties lead to its extensive application in daily chemical industry, food production, pesticide development, textile processing and metal treatment operations.

Silicone Oils

These emulsifiers share standard emulsifying properties but possess enhanced surface activity and spreadability which enables them to lower water surface tension more effectively than typical emulsifiers and makes them ideal for W/O emulsion preparation due to their superior emulsification properties.

Organic silicone emulsifiers mostly exist as liquids or gels. The molecules contain complex branched structures that resist crystallization and remain stable at reduced temperatures. The unique molecular structure provides excellent flexibility to achieve superior methyl stacking which reduces molecular interaction forces and creates a dense monomolecular film on liquid surfaces resulting in outstanding wettability and lubricity.

Features

• Excellent emulsification properties.
• Multifunctionality, such as moisturizing, softness, smoothness, glossiness, sun protection, antistatic, etc.
• High stability.
• Good skin feel.
• Wide applicability, suitable for a variety of cosmetic types, including creams, lotions, foundation liquids, conditioners, essence oils, etc.
• Good compatibility with other ingredients.