Adding Oil to Existing Formula: Emulsifier Needed?

Adding oil that has other ingredients dissolved in it to your existing formula will likely require adding an emulsifier to ensure the mixture remains stable and doesn't separate. The current ingredients list includes some oils/esters and thickeners, but not a primary emulsifier designed to incorporate a significant oil phase into a water-based system.

Here are a few emulsifier options that could work, along with their typical usage rates:

• Milk Lotion Maker™: This is a liquid emulsifier suitable for formulas with up to 40% oil. It creates a light, milky lotion texture. The recommended usage rate is 1.0-5.0%, depending on the amount of oil you are adding and the desired thickness. It is typically added to the oil phase.
• Light Lotion Maker: This is a high-performance liquid emulsifier that can also bind up to 40% oil and provides a light, non-sticky texture, suitable even for spray formulas. It can be used in both hot and cold processes. The usage rate is typically 2-4% depending on the oil content. It is mixed into the oil phase.
• Sucrose Cream Maker™: A natural-based, nonionic O/W emulsifier in solid pellet form. It offers good electrolyte compatibility and creates a light, non-oily feel. It can be used as a sole emulsifier at 3% or at 2-3% with a co-emulsifier. It is mixed into the oil phase using heat.
• Emulsifying Wax 1000: This is an emulsifying wax (Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Ceteareth-20) that acts as both an emulsifier and a thickener for O/W emulsions. The usage rate is typically 1-5%. It is dissolved in the oil phase with heat.

To incorporate the oil phase (containing your oil, dissolved ingredients, and the chosen emulsifier) into your existing formula (the water phase), you would typically heat both phases separately to a similar temperature (often around 70°C, though some emulsifiers allow cold process), then gradually add the oil phase to the water phase while mixing with high speed until an emulsion forms and cools down. The exact percentage of the emulsifier needed will depend on the total amount of oil you are adding and the specific emulsifier chosen. You may need to experiment to find the optimal concentration for stability and desired texture.