Emulsifiers & Thickeners

Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide derived from the fermentation of carbohydrates, primarily corn sugar. It's a natural thickening agent and stabilizer used in a wide range of cosmetic formulations due to its ability to create smooth textures and improve product consistency.

Usage: Xanthan gum is typically used in cosmetic formulations at concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 2%, depending on the desired viscosity and texture of the product. It's soluble in water and can be easily dispersed into formulations with stirring or agitation. It's compatible with a variety of other cosmetic ingredients and is often used in combination with other thickeners or emulsifiers to enhance its performance.

Uses:

1. Thickening Agent: Xanthan gum is primarily used to increase the viscosity of cosmetic products, providing them with a smooth and creamy texture. It's commonly found in creams, lotions, gels, and serums.
2. Stabilizer: It helps to stabilize emulsions by preventing the separation of oil and water phases in formulations such as creams and lotions.
3. Suspension Agent: Xanthan gum can suspend particles evenly throughout a formulation, preventing settling or clumping. This property makes it useful in products like exfoliating scrubs and suspensions.
4. Film Former: It can form a flexible film on the skin, enhancing the longevity of makeup products like foundations and concealers.
5. Moisturizer: Xanthan gum has humectant properties, helping to retain moisture and prevent dryness when used in leave-on products like moisturizers and masks.

INCI Name: Xanthan Gum CAS No.: 11138-66-2

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Stearic Acid Flakes are natural fatty acids derived from vegetable oils, primarily palm or coconut oil. They are widely used in skincare and cosmetic formulations for their emulsifying, thickening, and stabilizing properties. Stearic Acid Flakes contribute to the texture, consistency, and performance of various topical products.

Key Features:

• Emulsifier: Helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients to form stable emulsions.
• Thickening Agent: Increases viscosity, providing a creamy and smooth texture to formulations.
• Stabilizer: Enhances the stability and shelf life of emulsions and creams.
• Emollient: Softens and smoothens the skin, improving its texture and appearance.

INCI Name: Stearic Acid

CAS No: 57-11-4

Use Cases:

• Creams and Lotions: Forms a creamy base and stabilizes emulsions in moisturizers and lotions.
• Cosmetic Formulations: Used in makeup products like foundations and lipsticks for texture and stability.
• Soap Making: Essential ingredient in soap formulations for hardness and lather.
• Hair Care Products: Adds viscosity and provides conditioning benefits in shampoos and conditioners.

Benefits:

• Texture Enhancement: Improves the feel and consistency of skincare and cosmetic formulations.
• Moisturizing: Acts as an emollient, softening and hydrating the skin.
• Stability: Enhances the stability of emulsions and formulations, preventing separation.
• Versatility: Compatible with a wide range of ingredients and formulations in skincare and personal care.

Safety Information:

• Generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products.
• Handle with care to avoid inhalation and direct contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.
• Follow recommended concentrations and formulation guidelines during product development.

Stearic Acid Flakes are a versatile and valuable ingredient in skincare and cosmetic formulations, appreciated for their emulsifying, thickening, and stabilizing properties, ensuring the quality and performance of various topical products.

Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol that is a blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols. It is derived from natural sources such as coconut or palm oil. This ingredient is known for its ability to improve the texture and consistency of cosmetic formulations while also providing moisturizing benefits to the skin.

Usage: Cetearyl alcohol is commonly used in cosmetic formulations at concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 10%, depending on the specific requirements of the product. It can be incorporated into both water-based and oil-based formulations and is often added during the heating phase of production to ensure proper dispersion.

Uses:

1. Emollient: Cetearyl alcohol acts as an emollient, helping to soften and smooth the skin by forming a protective barrier that locks in moisture. It is commonly found in moisturizers, creams, and lotions designed to hydrate and nourish the skin.
2. Thickener: This ingredient contributes to the viscosity and texture of cosmetic products, giving them a rich and creamy consistency. It is often used in formulations such as creams, conditioners, and hair masks to enhance their spreadability and luxurious feel.
3. Stabilizer: Cetearyl alcohol helps to stabilize emulsions by preventing the separation of oil and water phases in formulations such as creams and lotions. It improves the overall stability and shelf-life of cosmetic products.
4. Surfactant: While primarily used as a thickener and emollient, cetearyl alcohol also exhibits mild surfactant properties, making it suitable for use in cleansing products such as face washes and body washes.
5. Solubilizer: It can help solubilize other ingredients in cosmetic formulations, ensuring their proper dispersion and effectiveness.

INCI Name: Cetearyl Alcohol CAS No.: 67762-27-0

Carbomer 940, also known as Carbopol 940, is a high molecular weight polymer of acrylic acid, cross-linked with polyalkenyl ethers or divinyl glycol. It is widely used in the cosmetics and personal care industry as a thickening, suspending, and stabilizing agent.

INCI Name:

Carbomer

CAS Number:

9003-01-4

Chemical Formula:

(C3H4O2)n

Uses:

1. Thickening Agent: Carbomer 940 is commonly used to thicken formulations, providing a smooth and gel-like consistency.
2. Emulsion Stabilizer: It helps to stabilize emulsions, preventing the separation of oil and water phases.
3. Suspending Agent: Effective in suspending insoluble ingredients within a formulation, ensuring even distribution.
4. Controlled Release Agent: Used in pharmaceuticals for controlled drug release applications.
5. Rheology Modifier: Adjusts the viscosity and flow characteristics of cosmetic and personal care products.

Applications:

• Skin Care Products: Creams, lotions, and gels.
• Hair Care Products: Styling gels and conditioners.
• Personal Hygiene Products: Hand sanitizers and toothpaste.
• Pharmaceuticals: Topical gels and ointments.

Usage Guidelines:

• Concentration: Typically used at concentrations between 0.1% and 1% in formulations.
• Neutralization: Requires neutralization with a base (e.g., triethanolamine, sodium hydroxide) to activate its thickening properties.
• Hydration: Should be dispersed in water and allowed to hydrate before neutralization to avoid clumping.

Formulation Tips:

1. Dispersion: Slowly sprinkle Carbomer 940 into the aqueous phase while mixing to avoid clumping.
2. Hydration: Allow the polymer to hydrate fully (usually 30 minutes to 1 hour) before neutralization.
3. Neutralization: Add a neutralizing agent gradually while stirring until the desired pH and viscosity are achieved.
4. Avoid Electrolytes: High concentrations of electrolytes can reduce the thickening efficiency of Carbomer 940.

Additional Information:

• Appearance: White, fluffy powder.
• Solubility: Insoluble in water but swells in water to form a clear, viscous gel.
• pH Stability: Effective in the pH range of 4 to 10.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Safety:

• Irritation: Generally considered non-irritating and safe for use in cosmetic products.
• Handling: Use protective equipment (gloves, mask) to avoid inhalation of fine powder.

Emulsifying Wax, commonly referred to as E Wax, is a nonionic emulsifier widely used in cosmetic and personal care formulations. It helps to blend oil and water phases, creating stable emulsions with a smooth and consistent texture. E Wax is typically derived from vegetable sources and is composed of a mixture of fatty alcohols and ethoxylated fatty alcohols.

INCI Name:

Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Polysorbate 60 or Cetostearyl Alcohol (and) Ethoxylated Sorbitan Ester

CAS Numbers:

• Cetearyl Alcohol: 8005-44-5
• Polysorbate 60: 9005-67-8

Uses:

1. Emulsifier: Facilitates the formation of stable oil-in-water (O/W) or water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions.
2. Thickener: Contributes to the viscosity and texture of creams and lotions.
3. Stabilizer: Enhances the stability and shelf-life of emulsions by preventing phase separation.
4. Moisturizer: Provides a smooth, non-greasy feel to formulations and imparts emollient properties.

Applications:

• Skin Care Products: Creams, lotions, serums, and ointments.
• Hair Care Products: Conditioners, masks, and styling creams.
• Makeup: Foundations, primers, and other color cosmetics.
• Pharmaceuticals: Topical ointments and creams.
• Sunscreens: Emulsions that require stability under various conditions.

Usage Guidelines:

• Concentration: Typically used at concentrations between 2% and 10% in formulations.
• Incorporation: Usually added to the oil phase of a formulation and melted during the heating process.
• Heating: Both oil and water phases should be heated to 70-75°C to ensure proper emulsification.

Formulation Tips:

1. Heating: Heat both the oil phase (containing E Wax) and the water phase to around 70-75°C before combining.
2. Blending: Mix the oil phase into the water phase slowly while maintaining the temperature and stirring continuously.
3. Cool Down: Continue stirring as the mixture cools to room temperature to ensure a smooth, uniform emulsion.
4. pH Adjustment: If necessary, adjust the pH of the final product to match the desired skin compatibility.

Additional Information:

• Appearance: White to off-white waxy solid.
• Solubility: Dispersible in water when heated; soluble in oil.
• HLB Value: Typically around 15, suitable for oil-in-water emulsions.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Safety:

• Irritation: Generally considered non-irritating and safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products.
• Handling: Standard protective measures (gloves, goggles) are recommended to avoid direct contact.

Polysorbate 20, also known as Tween 20, is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from sorbitol, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products due to its excellent solubilizing, emulsifying, and stabilizing properties.

INCI Name:

Polysorbate 20

CAS Number:

9005-64-5

Chemical Formula:

C58H114O26

Uses:

1. Emulsifier: Facilitates the blending of oil and water-based ingredients, creating stable emulsions.
2. Solubilizer: Enhances the solubility of essential oils, fragrances, and other hydrophobic substances in water-based formulations.
3. Surfactant: Reduces surface tension, aiding in the even distribution of ingredients.
4. Dispersing Agent: Helps disperse and stabilize pigments and other particulate matter in formulations.
5. Stabilizer: Prevents separation and improves the shelf life of emulsions.

Applications:

• Skin Care Products: Creams, lotions, serums, cleansers, and makeup removers.
• Hair Care Products: Shampoos, conditioners, and styling products.
• Makeup: Foundations, mascaras, and other color cosmetics.
• Pharmaceuticals: Injectable formulations, oral suspensions, and topical preparations.
• Food Industry: Emulsifies ingredients in sauces, dressings, and other processed foods.

Usage Guidelines:

• Concentration: Typically used at concentrations between 0.1% and 5% in formulations, depending on the desired effect.
• Compatibility: Compatible with a wide range of ingredients, including other surfactants, emulsifiers, and active ingredients.
• Incorporation: Can be added to either the oil phase or the water phase, depending on the formulation process.

Formulation Tips:

1. Blending: Ensure thorough mixing to achieve a stable emulsion. Can be added at various stages of formulation, but typically added to the aqueous phase.
2. Heat Sensitivity: Can withstand moderate heating but should not be exposed to prolonged high temperatures.
3. pH Stability: Stable across a wide pH range, typically from 3 to 10.
4. Avoid Incompatibilities: Avoid combining with high levels of electrolytes which can destabilize the emulsion.

Additional Information:

• Appearance: Yellow to amber, viscous liquid.
• Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol; dispersible in oils.
• HLB Value: Approximately 16.7, indicating it is highly hydrophilic and suitable for oil-in-water emulsions.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Safety:

• Irritation: Generally considered non-irritating and safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products.
• Handling: Standard protective measures (gloves, goggles) are recommended to avoid direct contact.

Polysorbate 80, also known as Tween 80, is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from sorbitol, ethylene oxide, and oleic acid. It is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products due to its ability to stabilize emulsions and improve the solubility of various ingredients.

INCI Name:

Polysorbate 80

CAS Number:

9005-65-6

Chemical Formula:

C64H124O26

Uses:

1. Emulsifier: Helps blend oil and water-based ingredients, creating stable emulsions.
2. Solubilizer: Enhances the solubility of essential oils, fragrances, and other hydrophobic substances in water-based formulations.
3. Surfactant: Reduces surface tension, aiding in the even distribution of ingredients.
4. Dispersing Agent: Helps disperse and stabilize pigments and other particulate matter in formulations.
5. Stabilizer: Prevents separation and improves the shelf life of emulsions.

Applications:

• Skin Care Products: Creams, lotions, serums, and cleansers.
• Hair Care Products: Shampoos, conditioners, and styling products.
• Makeup: Foundations, mascaras, and other color cosmetics.
• Pharmaceuticals: Injectable formulations, oral suspensions, and topical preparations.
• Food Industry: Emulsifies ingredients in sauces, dressings, and other processed foods.

Usage Guidelines:

• Concentration: Typically used at concentrations between 0.1% and 5% in formulations, depending on the desired effect.
• Compatibility: Compatible with a wide range of ingredients, including other surfactants, emulsifiers, and active ingredients.
• Incorporation: Can be added to either the oil phase or the water phase, depending on the formulation process.

Formulation Tips:

1. Blending: Ensure thorough mixing to achieve a stable emulsion. Can be added at various stages of formulation, but typically added to the oil phase.
2. Heat Sensitivity: Can withstand moderate heating but should not be exposed to prolonged high temperatures.
3. pH Stability: Stable across a wide pH range, typically from 3 to 10.
4. Avoid Incompatibilities: Avoid combining with high levels of electrolytes which can destabilize the emulsion.

Additional Information:

• Appearance: Yellow to amber, viscous liquid.
• Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol; dispersible in oils.
• HLB Value: Approximately 15, indicating it is hydrophilic and suitable for oil-in-water emulsions.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Safety:

• Irritation: Generally considered non-irritating and safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products.
• Handling: Standard protective measures (gloves, goggles) are recommended to avoid direct contact.