Why do manufacturers use emulsifiers in cosmetics?

Modern cosmetics consist of various raw materials. The effectiveness of many of them is conditioned by the synergistic effect of individual substances. Unfortunately, the rich composition does not always translate into an easy and pleasant application of the product.

In order to obtain a uniform consistency of preparations, manufacturers use emulsifiers in cosmetics . Find out the function of emulsifiers in cosmetics and how to recognize them in the composition of your favorite products.

What are emulsifiers in cosmetics ?

Emulsifiers are a type of ionic or non-ionic surface-active ingredients (surfactants) that ensure a good connection of individual solutions added to cosmetics. Non-surfactant compounds are also sometimes used.

• Ionic emulsifiers include: sodium soaps, alkyl sulfates and quaternary anion salts,
• Non-ionic emulsifiers are e.g. higher alcohols, cholesterol, lanolin, lecithin.
• Non-surfactant substances are e.g. kaolin, bentonite and stearates.

Thanks to emulsifiers in cosmetics, an emulsion is formed, i.e. two different substances are mixed together, which in natural conditions do not combine with each other.

By adding emulsifiers, you can create cosmetics that consist of a solution of:

• water,
• alcohol,
• hydroalkyl,
• fatty,
• hydrocarbon.

This type of additives is extremely popular. You will find it in creams, toothpastes, face masks and liquid soaps.

How do emulsifiers used in cosmetics work?

The effect of emulsifiers in cosmetics is to reduce the surface tension at the interface between two phases (e.g. water and fat). Each emulsifier molecule is charged twice (positively and negatively), which affects the ease of penetration of the compound into the substance and its solubility.

The task of emulsifiers is to facilitate the application of the cosmetic. Thanks to them, it is not necessary to mix the product every time. They also cause its stabilization, so the consistency of the product does not change over time. This is very important, especially in the serial production of cosmetics, because it allows you to guarantee uniform quality of all batches of goods.

Examples of emulsifiers in cosmetics

To determine the properties of emulsifiers used in cosmetics, the so-called HLB number ( Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance ). It allows you to determine the lipophilic or, on the contrary, hydrophilic potential of a given emulsifier and match it to the cosmetic.

The size of HLB is expressed on a scale of 0 to 20, with higher value indicating greater lipophilic potential. There is no universal detergent formula. HLB should be adjusted each time to their composition, operation and structure. Emulsifiers with a higher HLB number are used in the production of oiling cosmetics. On the other hand, lower values ​​(HLB of 7 or less) make the character change to moisturizing.

Specialists in the field of biotechnology indicate that a good emulsifier not only ensures the connection of the phases, but also prevents their inversion, i.e. separation. It must also allow for obtaining the appropriate viscosity of the preparation and be indifferent to the other ingredients of the cosmetic. This means that they have no impact on their functional properties and the health of users.

In practice, both synthetic and natural emulsifiers are used. The second group of substances is used to reduce the irritating potential in artificial cosmetics or to produce preparations marked as natural.

Synthetic emulsifiers in cosmetics

Synthetic emulsifiers include, among others:

• propylene glycol;
• PEG-8 myristate;
• diethanolamine (DEA);
• polysorbate

These are ingredients that do not occur in nature and their production requires the implementation of special production processes. They are often easier to obtain than natural ingredients, which results in a lower price of the product.

Examples of synthetic emulsifiers from our offer include:

• ROKAnol O10 ;
• ROKAmid MRZ4 ;
• ROKAmid MRZ17 .

Natural emulsifiers used in cosmetics

Natural emulsifiers are usually extracts from plants or animal products. The costs of obtaining them are higher than in the case of synthetic ingredients, which is reflected in the higher price of the product. Typical natural emulsifiers are, for example:

• carnauba wax;
• Bee wax;
• lecithin;
• jojoba oil;
• xanthan gum .

Are emulsifiers used in cosmetics safe?

Many people ask themselves about the safety of emulsifiers contained in cosmetics used on a daily basis.

It is worth remembering that the safety of cosmetics is supervised not only by producers who are obliged to comply with applicable legal standards specifying the permissible concentration of individual substances, but also by numerous international organizations. Entities such as AIAB, BDIH, Soil Association and Ecocert regularly conduct research on active substances used in products.

The composition of cosmetics is designed in such a way as to ensure full safety of use. However, it is worth reading the notes on the packaging, which may provide guidance on the application of preparations by children, pregnant women or people suffering from dermatological diseases.

How to choose emulsifiers in cosmetics ?

The right choice of emulsifiers for cosmetic preparations is not easy. Manufacturers are usually guided by the properties of the product and its safety. Consumers often care about a low price and high utility values ​​(e.g. appropriate consistency, easy application).

Regardless of the target group of recipients, the priority should be the high quality of the ingredients used. To be sure that you buy only the highest quality emulsifiers, check out the Distripark warehouse offer. There you will find a wide selection of products used in the production of:

• shampoos;
• bath lotions;
• liquid soaps;
• cosmetics for shaving and depilation;
• face washing and care.

We know how important the health of the youngest family members is. That is why we distinguish special categories of additives that can be used in cosmetics for children.

See for yourself that with the Distripark offer, the formulation of cosmetics will be simple. If necessary, we provide professional substantive advice.