Emulsifiers for High Oil Content Lotions (40-50% Oil Phase)

For lotion formulas with a high oil phase of 40-50% w/w, selecting an emulsifier capable of stabilizing such a high internal oil phase is crucial. Based on the search, the following emulsifiers are suitable options:

• Milk Lotion Maker™: This emulsifier is specifically designed for formulas requiring a high oil content, stating it can bind oil up to 40%. Using a higher proportion (up to 5%) can help stabilize even higher oil percentages and increase viscosity. It creates a liquid, easy-to-spread texture like a milky lotion.

• Light Lotion Maker: This high-performance emulsifier can also bind up to 40% oil. While it tends to create a lighter texture, it can be used for formulas with significant oil content. Its usage rate is typically 2-4%.

• Emulsifying Wax 1000: This is a standard non-ionic emulsifying wax (Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Ceteareth-20) commonly used for O/W emulsions. While it can handle various oil percentages, Milk Lotion Maker™ and Light Lotion Maker are more explicitly highlighted for their ability to bind high oil loads up to 40%. Emulsifying Wax 1000 is used at 1-5% and also acts as a thickener.

For a formula with 40-50% oil, Milk Lotion Maker™ appears to be the most directly recommended option based on its description and suggested usage for high oil formulas. You might need to use it at the higher end of its recommended usage rate (e.g., 4-5%) and potentially incorporate co-emulsifiers or thickeners (like fatty alcohols or waxes mentioned in the Milk Lotion Maker™ description) to ensure stability and achieve the desired texture, especially if aiming for 50% oil.

Light Lotion Maker is another viable option, particularly if a lighter feel is desired, but may also require optimization for the 50% oil level.

Emulsifying Wax 1000 is a general-purpose option that could work, but might require careful formulation and potentially higher usage rates or combination with other emulsifiers to handle the 50% oil load effectively compared to the others specifically mentioned for high oil binding.

Always perform stability testing when developing formulas with high oil content to ensure the emulsion remains stable over time and under different conditions.