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44 ingredients

Emulsifier

Explore all 44 ingredients in the Emulsifier category. Learn about their benefits and find products that contain them.

Cetearyl Olivate

Cetearyl olivate is an ester of cetearyl alcohol and the fatty acids derived from olive oil. It functions as an emulsifier, blending water and oil phases together in skincare formulations. Uniquely, it generates liquid crystal structures that closely mimic the lipid architecture of the stratum corneum, giving it barrier-repairing and moisturising properties beyond simple emulsification.

Sorbitan Olivate

Sorbitan Olivate is a natural emulsifier derived from the esterification of sorbitol with the fatty acids of olive oil. It is best known as one half of the Olivem 1000 system (paired with Cetearyl Olivate), where it acts as the HLB-lowering co-emulsifier that generates biomimetic liquid crystal structures closely resembling the skin's own lamellar structure. This unique property allows it to enhance penetration of active ingredients and deliver a deeply moisturising, non-greasy feel.

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is the ester of lauric acid and polyglycerin-10, a chain of ten glycerin molecules. It is a vegetable-derived, PEG-free non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier that helps blend small amounts of oil into water-based formulations, creating stable, lightweight textures. It is widely used in micellar waters, cleansing balms, serums, and mists for its gentle, skin- and eye-friendly profile.

Sorbitan Isostearate

Sorbitan isostearate is a sorbitan ester formed by the esterification of sorbitol with isostearic acid, a branched-chain fatty acid. It functions primarily as an emulsifier, helping to blend oil and water phases into stable, homogeneous formulations. It also acts as a particle dispersant, keeping insoluble pigments and mineral UV filters evenly distributed throughout a product.

PEG-100 Stearate

PEG-100 Stearate is a polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid, formed by reacting stearic acid (a fatty acid from plant or animal fats) with 100 moles of ethylene oxide. It functions as a water-loving (hydrophilic) emulsifier and surfactant that stabilises the oil-water interface in creams, lotions, and serums. It is most commonly used alongside glyceryl stearate, which is oil-loving, to create a highly stable emulsifier pair that performs across a wide pH range and tolerates salts and acidic actives.

Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters

Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is a natural, plant-derived emulsifier produced by transesterification of polyglycerin-3 with candelilla wax, jojoba wax, and rice bran wax. It functions as an emulsifying agent, emulsion stabiliser, and surfactant that helps blend oil and water components. It is noted for imparting a silicone-like feel with an ultra-soft texture and cushion touch, and can retain up to 6 times its weight in water.

Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate

Sodium stearoyl lactylate (SSL) is an anionic emulsifier derived from lactic acid and stearic acid, neutralised with sodium hydroxide to form a sodium salt. It appears as a white to light tan powder and works by stabilising oil-in-water emulsion systems, preventing ingredient separation and improving the texture and homogeneity of formulations. It also acts as a mild humectant, forming a conditioning barrier on the skin that supports moisture retention.

Polysorbate 60

Polysorbate 60 is a polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate — a synthetic, water-soluble emulsifier derived from sorbitol, stearic acid, and ethylene oxide. It works by reducing surface tension between water and oil phases, allowing them to blend into stable emulsions. It is widely used across cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food as a well-tolerated and effective emulsifying and solubilising agent.

Polysorbate 80

Polysorbate 80 is a synthetic nonionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from sorbitol and oleic acid (a fatty acid from olive oil) through polyethoxylation. It works by reducing surface tension between oil and water phases, allowing them to mix and remain stable in a formulation. It is one of the polysorbate family of emulsifiers — higher numbers indicate greater oleate content and stronger emulsifying power, making polysorbate 80 suited to heavier creams and serums compared to lower-numbered variants.

Sucrose Laurate

Sucrose laurate is a sugar ester formed by combining sucrose (table sugar) with lauric acid, a fatty acid derived from coconut or palm kernel oil. It functions simultaneously as an emulsifier, emollient, and mild surfactant, helping to blend oil and water phases in formulations while conditioning the skin. It is particularly prized for creating oil-gel cleansers that transform into a milky texture on contact with water, providing gentle cleansing without stripping the skin barrier.

Inulin Lauryl Carbamate

Inulin lauryl carbamate is a polymeric emulsifier formed by the reaction of lauryl isocyanate and inulin, a naturally occurring polysaccharide from chicory root. By attaching oil-loving (lauryl) chains onto the water-loving inulin backbone, it can stabilise oil-in-water emulsions, disperse non-water-soluble particles, and prevent them from clumping together in a formulation.

Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate

Polyglyceryl-6 stearate is a PEG-free emulsifier derived from the esterification of hexaglycerol (a polymer of six glycerol units) with stearic acid. It enables oil and water phases to mix into stable emulsions and is particularly suited to low-viscosity formulations such as serums, lotions, and sprays. It is based on renewable raw materials and is considered a gentle, modern alternative to PEG-based emulsifiers.

Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate

Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate is a monoester of behenic acid (a long-chain fatty acid derived from plant oils such as moringa) and polyglycerin-6 (a chain of six glycerin units). It functions primarily as a PEG-free O/W (oil-in-water) emulsifier and emulsion stabiliser, helping to create and maintain stable, lightweight emulsions by reducing surface tension between oil and water phases. It also contributes mild emollient and moisturising properties to formulations.

Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate

Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate is a polyethylene glycol ether of sorbitol esterified with oleic acid, containing an average of 30 moles of ethylene oxide. It functions as a self-emulsifying surfactant that enables oils to interact with water, making it particularly popular in oil cleansers and cleansing balms where it provides easy rinse-off without leaving a heavy residue.

Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate

Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate is the diester of hexaglycerol (a chain of six glycerin molecules) and stearic acid, a fatty acid derived from vegetable or animal sources. It functions as a nonionic, PEG-free emulsifier that reduces interfacial tension between oil and water phases, helping to create and stabilise creams, lotions, and serums with smooth, pleasant textures. Because it is derived from renewable raw materials and free of polyethylene glycol, it is widely used in natural and clean-beauty formulations.

Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax

Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax is a non-ionic emulsifier and co-emulsifier produced by reacting natural beeswax fatty acids with polyglycerol (triglycerol). It is a hydrophilic derivative of beeswax that helps oil and water phases mix smoothly, adds structure and body to formulations, and delivers a soft, cushioned glide in creams, balms, and makeup products. It produces extremely stable, smooth gels and inhibits crystallisation in formulations.

Polysorbate 20

Polysorbate 20 is a polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate — a synthetic, water-soluble nonionic emulsifier derived from sorbitol, lauric acid (a fatty acid found in coconut and palm kernel oil), and ethylene oxide. It works by reducing surface tension between oil and water phases, enabling them to blend into stable, uniform emulsions. It also functions as a solubiliser, helping oil-soluble ingredients (such as fragrances and essential oils) to remain evenly dispersed in water-based formulas.

Sorbitan Stearate

Sorbitan stearate is a vegetable-derived emulsifier made by combining sorbitan (dehydrated sorbitol, a sugar alcohol) with stearic acid (a fatty acid). It is oil-loving (lipophilic) and primarily functions as a water-in-oil co-emulsifier, helping to stabilise creams and lotions by keeping water and oil phases blended together.

PEG-60 Almond Glycerides

PEG-60 Almond Glycerides is a synthetic emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent derived from almond oil. It is produced by ethoxylating the mono- and diglycerides of almond oil with an average of 60 moles of ethylene oxide, enabling it to blend oil and water-based ingredients into stable, uniform formulations. It also provides mild emollient properties, helping to soften and condition the skin.

Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate

Polyglyceryl-4 isostearate is a PEG-free emulsifier formed by the esterification of tetraglycerol (a polymer of four glycerol units) with isostearic acid. It is a lipophilic (oil-loving) emulsifier commonly used to stabilise water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions. It is frequently combined with other polyglycerol esters (such as polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate) in sunscreens, foundations, and other makeup products to create stable, elegant formulations.

Glyceryl Stearate SE

Glyceryl stearate SE (self-emulsifying) is a modified version of glyceryl stearate that contains water-loving soap molecules (such as sodium stearate or potassium stearate), enabling it to emulsify oil and water phases without requiring additional emulsifiers. It also functions as a mild emollient that gives skin a smooth, soft appearance.

Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate

Sodium stearoyl glutamate (SSG) is an anionic, amino acid-based emulsifier derived from coupling L-glutamic acid (sourced from sugar beets or corn) with stearic acid (from vegetable oils such as coconut or palm), then neutralised to sodium salt form. It appears as a free-flowing white powder and functions as a potent oil-in-water emulsifier at very low concentrations, stabilising emulsions and creating fine droplet sizes with an elegant, low-tack skin feel. Its pH closely matches that of human skin, and it carries certifications from COSMOS, NATRUE, and ECOCERT, reflecting its high biodegradability and ecological safety.

PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate

PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is a synthetic emulsifier derived from glucose (a sugar) and oleic acid (a fatty acid from vegetable oils), modified with a long polyethylene glycol (PEG-120) chain. It works by reducing surface tension between oil and water phases in a formulation, keeping them blended into a stable, uniform product. It is most commonly found in cleansing gels, shampoos, and body washes where it also contributes a mild, skin-friendly lather.

PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate

PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate is a polyethylene glycol ester derived from pentaerythritol and stearic acid, with approximately 150 ethylene oxide units. It functions as a water-soluble emulsifier, helping to blend oil and water phases in cosmetic formulations by reducing surface tension at the oil-water interface. It is widely used in rinse-off products such as cleansers, shampoos, baby washes, and body washes.

Stearoyl Glutamate

Sodium stearoyl glutamate is an amino acid-based emulsifier derived from the reaction of stearic acid with glutamic acid. It helps oil and water phases combine and remain stable in formulations. It is valued as a nature-derived, hypoallergenic, and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic emulsifiers.

Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate

Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate is the ester of stearic acid (a fatty acid) with polyglycerin-10, a chain of ten glycerin molecules. It is a vegetable-derived, PEG-free, non-ionic emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent that enables stable oil-in-water emulsions with an HLB of 12–13. It provides a smooth, elegant texture and mild emollient feel, and is found in moisturisers, masks, toners, serums, and foundations.

Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative of hydrogenated castor oil, produced by reacting castor oil with ethylene oxide. It is a mildly viscous, amber-coloured liquid that functions primarily as an emulsifier and surfactant, allowing oil and water-based ingredients to blend stably in a formulation. It is also widely used as a fragrance solubiliser in water-based products, enabling fragrance compounds to disperse evenly without separation.

Sorbitan Oleate

Sorbitan oleate is a sorbitan ester formed by bonding sorbitol (a sugar-derived alcohol) with oleic acid, a fatty acid derived from plant or animal oils. It functions as an oil-loving (lipophilic) emulsifier that helps blend water and oil phases into stable, homogeneous formulations. It also acts as a wetting and dispersing agent, keeping insoluble particles such as pigments and mineral UV filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) evenly distributed throughout a product.

Glyceryl Stearate

Glycerol stearate (INCI: Glyceryl Stearate) is a waxy, white solid created by attaching a glycerin molecule to stearic acid. It can be derived from most vegetable oils through a process comparable to soap manufacturing. It functions as both an emollient and an emulsifying agent, facilitating the blending of water and oil phases in cosmetic formulations while providing body, texture, and a soft, smooth skin feel. It occurs naturally in the human body and is approved as a food additive.

Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters

PARSING ARTIFACT: This entry is a misspelling of 'Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters' ('rich bran' should be 'rice bran'). See the correctly spelled entry for full details. This is a natural, plant-derived emulsifier produced by transesterification of polyglycerin-3 with candelilla wax, jojoba wax, and rice bran wax.

Pentaerythrityl Distearate

Pentaerythrityl distearate is a synthetic diester of pentaerythritol and stearic acid. It functions primarily as an emulsifier and co-emulsifier in cosmetic formulations, helping to stabilise oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions. It also contributes to product texture and consistency, providing a smooth, even application feel.

Arachidyl Glucoside

Arachidyl glucoside is a non-ionic emulsifier formed by combining glucose with arachidyl (C20) fatty alcohol. Its dual hydrophilic-lipophilic structure allows it to stabilise oil-in-water emulsions. It is commonly used as part of the Montanov 202 emulsifier system alongside arachidyl and behenyl alcohols, providing a light, non-greasy feel with a matte finish.

Peg-10 Dimethicone

PEG-10 Dimethicone is a silicone-based emulsifier (polyethylene glycol-modified dimethicone) that enables water and silicone oils to mix in cosmetic formulations. It can also be used with plant oil and silicone oil blends. It provides a smooth, silky skin feel while stabilising emulsions.

Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate

Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate is an ester of triglycerol and stearic acid that functions as a non-ionic oil-in-water emulsifier. It helps to blend oil and water phases in cosmetic formulations, creating stable creams, lotions, and serums. It is considered a milder, PEG-free alternative to traditional ethoxylated emulsifiers.

Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate

Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate is a complex ester of hexaglycerol and polyricinoleic acid, derived from vegetable sources. It functions as a water-in-oil emulsifier and pigment dispersing agent, providing cushion and spreadability to formulations. It is described as very substantive to skin and is particularly valued in colour cosmetics and mineral sunscreen dispersions.

Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate

Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate is the ester of diglycerol and isostearic acid, functioning as a non-ionic emulsifier in cosmetic formulations. It helps stabilise oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions, and is commonly used in cleansing oils, foundations, lip products, and makeup removers.

Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate

Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate is a monoester of diglycerol and stearic acid that functions as an emulsifier in cosmetic formulations. It helps blend oil and water phases to create stable creams, lotions, and serums. As a polyglycerol ester, it is considered a mild, skin-friendly alternative to synthetic emulsifiers and is widely used across moisturisers, serums, cleansers, and sun protection products.

Polyglyceryl-6 Dicaprate

Polyglyceryl-6 Dicaprate is a diester of hexaglycerol and capric acid that functions as an emulsifier in cosmetic formulations. It helps blend oil and water phases together and is particularly common in oil-based cleansers and cleansing balms, where it enables oils to emulsify with water for easy rinsing. Used widely by brands including Shu Uemura, Farmacy, Tatcha, and The Ordinary.

Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate

Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate is an ester of hexaglycerol and lauric acid that functions as an emulsifier in cosmetic formulations. It helps blend oil and water phases together, creating stable emulsions. It is derived from plant-based glycerol and is commonly used in retinol serums, vitamin C products, micellar waters, and cleansing formulations.

PPG-24-Glycereth-24

PPG-24-Glycereth-24 is a synthetic polymer derived from propylene glycol and glycerin ethers. It serves three primary functions in cosmetic formulations: as an emulsifier (blending oil and water phases), a solvent (dissolving other ingredients), and a mild surfactant (cleansing). It is widely used across serums, toners, moisturisers, cleansers, and primers.

Ceteareth-12

Ceteareth-12 is an ethoxylated fatty alcohol emulsifier created by adding an average of 12 moles of ethylene oxide to cetearyl alcohol. With fewer ethylene oxide units than Ceteareth-20, it sits closer to the lipophilic end of the HLB scale, making it better suited for water-in-oil emulsions. It is commonly used alongside higher-HLB emulsifiers to create stable emulsion systems.

Ceteareth-20

Ceteareth-20 is an ethoxylated fatty alcohol emulsifier created by adding an average of 20 moles of ethylene oxide to cetearyl alcohol. It is a hydrophilic (water-loving) emulsifier that helps blend oil and water phases in cosmetic formulations, producing stable creams and lotions. It also functions as a mild surfactant and thickener.

Dicetyl Phosphate

Dicetyl phosphate (dihexadecyl hydrogen phosphate) is a phospholipid-based emulsifier and surfactant used in cosmetic formulations. It helps stabilise oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions, enabling the blending of aqueous and lipid phases. It is structurally related to naturally occurring phospholipids in cell membranes.

Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate

Polyglyceryl-4 oleate is a polyglycerol ester of oleic acid that functions as an emulsifier in cosmetic formulations. It enables oil and water phases to blend together, creating stable emulsions. It is widely used in cleansing oils, cleansing balms, and oil-to-milk cleansers where it helps dissolve makeup and sebum while rinsing cleanly with water.