Natural Emulsifiers for Balm/Ointment Formulations Incorporating 35-40% Water

For balm or ointment formulations requiring the incorporation of 35-40% water, focusing on natural emulsifiers, here are some suitable options:

• Emulsifying Beeswax (Non-Ionic, Natural): This ingredient is specifically designed for use in balm and ointment formulas. It functions as both an emulsifier and a thickener. It is 100% natural and helps provide good skin coverage, suitable for dry skin. It can be used at a rate of 0.5-5% (3% recommended) and is dissolved in the oil phase.
• Sucrose Cream Maker™: This is a 100% natural-based, nonionic O/W (Oil-in-Water) emulsifier. It helps create lamellar structures, resulting in a good texture that feels smooth and non-greasy. It can be used at a rate of 2-4% and dissolves in the oil phase with heat.
• Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate and Polyglyceryl-10 Palmitate: These are O/W emulsifiers, with Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate being 100% natural. They have an HLB of approximately 12-14 and can be used at a rate of 1-10%. They are dissolved in the oil phase and help create good cream textures.
• LeciCream™ (Natural Emulsifier / Cream Maker): This is a natural emulsifier derived from Hydrogenated Lecithin, suitable for creating heavy creams. It can be used at a rate of 0.5-5% and is dispersed in the oil phase.
• Caprylic/Capric Glycerides Polyglycerin-10 Esters: This is a natural-derived O/W emulsifier with an HLB of approximately 16. It can be used at a rate of 1-6% and is soluble in water.

For a relatively high water content (35-40%) in a balm formula, it's important to choose an emulsifier with good emulsion stability. You may also need to adjust the proportions of the oil phase and other thickeners in the formula to help enhance stability and achieve the desired balm texture. Emulsifying Beeswax is explicitly mentioned for use in balm formulas, making it a particularly interesting first option.