Cold process emulsifiers are becoming increasingly popular as manufacturers search for ways of reducing costs and greener production methods. John Woodruff assesses their suitability for purpose
An emulsion is a two-phase system. The principal components are an oil phase and an aqueous (water) phase. The aqueous phase is water plus any combination of polar materials that dissolve, at least to some extent, in water. The oil phase comprises one or more oily materials, or other ingredients which are non-polar and exhibit at least some solubility in oily materials. The conventional way of forming a cosmetic emulsion is to heat the two phases separately then bring them together with vigorous mixing and continue mixing until cool. To stop the emulsion separating one or more emulsifiers are incorporated in the composition.