Emulsifiers
Emulsifiers
An emulsifier is a key functional ingredient that allows oil and water to blend into a stable, uniform product—something they won’t do on their own.
In cosmetic formulations, emulsifiers:
Bind oil and water together, preventing separation over time
Create texture and viscosity, forming creams, lotions, and milks
Improve product stability, consistency, and shelf life
Help deliver oils and actives evenly across the skin or hair
Without an emulsifier, products like lotions and creams would quickly split. The choice of emulsifier also influences how a product feels—light and fast-absorbing or rich and conditioning—making it essential for both performance and sensory appeal.
Cetyl Alcohol
Price range: $5.13 through $192.82
Cetyl Alcohol
Price range: $8.49 through $16.99
Glyceryl monostearate (GMS)
Price range: $5.77 through $14.83
Golden Soy Wax
Price range: $6.50 through $13.01
Guar Gum
Price range: $0.92 through $20.00
Polysorbate 20
Price range: $5.65 through $11.31
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 35%
Price range: $3.32 through $6.63
Stearic Acid RSPO
Price range: $4.95 through $177.92
Suncoast Olivem 1000
Price range: $26.73 through $53.46Emulsifiers – Technical & Clean Standards Overview
Emulsifiers are functional cosmetic ingredients that allow oil and water to blend into a stable, uniform product. Because oil and water naturally separate, emulsifiers are essential for creating creams, lotions, serums, and milks with consistent texture and performance.
Technical Function
Emulsifiers work by positioning themselves at the oil–water interface, reducing surface tension and forming a stable system that prevents separation over time. Nonionic emulsifiers are commonly used in clean beauty formulations due to their pH stability, mildness, and broad compatibility.
Role in Cosmetic Formulations
Emulsifiers are used to:
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Create and maintain stable emulsions
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Improve texture, spreadability, and sensory feel
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Support even distribution of oils and active ingredients
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Enable scalable and reproducible manufacturing
They are essential in lotions, creams, serums, sunscreens, conditioners, and cleansing creams.
Typical Use Levels
Use levels vary by emulsifier type and formulation goals:
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1–3% for lightweight emulsions
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3–8% for standard creams and lotions
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8–12% for rich or highly structured emulsions
Emulsifiers are often combined with co-emulsifiers or structuring agents to fine-tune stability and skin feel.
Clean Standards & Safety Profile
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Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR): Common cosmetic emulsifiers are considered safe as used
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Environmental Working Group (EWG): Many plant-derived and nonionic emulsifiers rate low hazard (Score 1–2)
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PEG-Free Options: Widely available
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Biodegradable: Many emulsifiers are biodegradable and environmentally compatible
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Skin Compatibility: Frequently used in sensitive-skin formulations
Retailer Clean Compatibility
Emulsifiers are broadly accepted under major retailer clean standards when they:
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Serve a clear functional purpose
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Are plant-derived or biodegradable, when possible
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Avoid restricted ethoxylated or petroleum-based chemistries
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Support formulation stability and product safety
