Emulsifiers

Emulsifiers are substances that play a crucial role in stabilizing and creating emulsions. Cosmetic Emulsions are a type of colloidal dispersion, which consists of two immiscible liquids (usually oil and water) that are mixed together to form a stable, homogeneous mixture. In an emulsion, tiny droplets of one liquid are dispersed within the other liquid. Emulsifiers are often used in various cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications to prevent the separation of these immiscible liquids. There are 2 types of emulsifiers in cosmetic applications. Oil-in-water (o/w) emulsifiers keep oil drops packed in water, while water-in-oil (w/o) emulsifiers keep water drops packed in oil. W/O emulsifiers are used for a fatty feel (e.g night & sun screen creams). O/W emulsifiers are used more in moisturising products (e.g. body lotions, day creams). O/W is the most common type of emulsions.