Emulsifying Wax NF: A Reliable Vegetable-Based Emulsifier for Cosmetic Formulations

Emulsifying Wax NF is a versatile, vegetable-derived emulsifier designed to bind water and oil together, creating stable emulsions in cosmetic formulations. Meeting National Formulary (NF) standards, this wax is ideal for creating oil-in-water emulsions commonly used in products such as lotions, creams, salves, ointments, and gels. Its ease of use and reliable performance make it a go-to choice for formulators looking for a complete emulsifying solution.

Key Features & Benefits

• Non-Ionic & Vegetable-Based: Emulsifying Wax NF is derived from plant sources, making it a safe, reliable, and eco-friendly option for cosmetic formulations. Its non-ionic nature ensures compatibility with a variety of pH levels.
• Odorless & Neutral: This wax is odorless, ensuring it won’t affect the fragrance profile of your final product. It allows you to create scented formulations without interference.
• Easy to Handle: Emulsifying Wax NF is available in small, easy-to-melt beads or pastilles, which blend smoothly into both the oil and water phases of formulations. It is simple to work with for both DIY formulators and professionals.
• Versatile Application: Suitable for a range of cosmetic products, from lightweight lotions to thick creams and body butters, Emulsifying Wax NF can create stable emulsions across different consistencies.

Ingredients (Common Name): Emulsifying Wax NF

Ingredients (INCI Name):  Cetearyl alcohol (and) Polysorbate 60

Appearance: Small, Off-white beads/Pastilles

CAS Number: 9005-67-8

Odor: None

Melting Point: 122 – 129.2°F.

Saponification Value: NMT14

Suggested Uses

• Lotions and creams
• Ointments and salves
• Gels and serums
• Body butters and bars

Recommended Usage

• Usage Rate: 3% - 5% for lotions and thinner emulsions; 5% - 10% for creams and thicker emulsions.
• How to Use: Add Emulsifying Wax NF to the heated oil phase of your formulation. Melt thoroughly before combining with the water phase to create a stable emulsion. It does not require a co-emulsifier, but it can be paired with cetyl alcohol or cetearyl alcohol to increase viscosity if desired.

Key Features & Benefits

• Non-Ionic & Vegetable-Based: Emulsifying Wax NF is derived from plant sources, making it a safe, reliable, and eco-friendly option for cosmetic formulations. Its non-ionic nature ensures compatibility with a variety of pH levels.
• Odorless & Neutral: This wax is odorless, ensuring it won’t affect the fragrance profile of your final product. It allows you to create scented formulations without interference.
• Easy to Handle: Emulsifying Wax NF is available in small, easy-to-melt beads or pastilles, which blend smoothly into both the oil and water phases of formulations. It is simple to work with for both DIY formulators and professionals.
• Versatile Application: Suitable for a range of cosmetic products, from lightweight lotions to thick creams and body butters, Emulsifying Wax NF can create stable emulsions across different consistencies

Why Choose Emulsifying Wax NF for Cosmetic Formulations?

• Creates Stable Emulsions: The standout benefit of Emulsifying Wax NF is its ability to bind oil and water together, ensuring a smooth, stable emulsion. This is crucial for long-term stability in lotions, creams, and other personal care products.
• Vegetable-Based & NF Compliant: Made from plant-derived ingredients, Emulsifying Wax NF adheres to National Formulary standards, guaranteeing consistent quality and safety for formulators.
• Versatile Usage: Whether you're crafting lightweight lotions or thicker creams, Emulsifying Wax NF adapts well to various formulations. It delivers reliable performance, making it a staple ingredient for formulators.
• Odorless & Easy to Use: Emulsifying Wax NF is odorless and neutral, so it won’t interfere with the fragrance or sensory experience of your products. Its small beads or pastilles are easy to melt and blend, simplifying the production process.

Formulation Tips (How to Use Emulsifying Wax NF in Your Cosmetic Formulations)

• In Lotions & Creams: Emulsifying Wax NF is ideal for creating smooth, stable oil-in-water emulsions. It should be added to the heated oil phase and melted thoroughly before combining with the water phase. For best results, maintain both the oil and water phases at similar temperatures (around 70°C or 158°F) before mixing. This ensures optimal emulsification and a long-lasting, stable product. A usage rate of 3% - 5% is typical for lotions, while 5% - 10% is recommended for thicker creams.
  Tip: Pair Emulsifying Wax NF with cetyl or cetearyl alcohol to add extra viscosity if you're looking for a richer, creamier texture.

• In Ointments & Salves: For anhydrous formulations like ointments and salves that contain minimal water, Emulsifying Wax NF works well to bind small amounts of water or hydrosols with oil-based ingredients, creating a uniform, spreadable consistency. It's particularly useful when formulating multi-phase salves that need to remain smooth and homogenous. Emulsifying Wax NF also enhances the texture and improves the "glide" of the product on the skin.

• In Gels & Serums: When formulating gels and serums that need a balanced mixture of oil and water, Emulsifying Wax NF helps stabilize the final product. Use it in the oil phase, and ensure thorough blending at a controlled temperature. Serums generally require lower usage rates (around 2%-3%) to maintain a lightweight, non-greasy feel.
  Tip: For gels, you can combine Emulsifying Wax NF with a gelling agent like xanthan gum or carbomer to enhance the texture and increase viscosity, especially in formulations requiring suspension of active ingredients.

• General Formulation Tips for DIY Makers:

  • Testing & Compatibility: Always run small test batches when working with Emulsifying Wax NF, particularly when switching between different brands or adjusting the formula. The texture and stability may slightly differ depending on other ingredients used.
  • Formulation Stability: Ensure proper emulsification by maintaining a shear mixing process (high-speed mixing) for at least 3-5 minutes during the cooling phase. This helps create a stable emulsion, reducing the risk of separation.
  • Incorporating Active Ingredients: Add delicate active ingredients or heat-sensitive components (like essential oils, vitamins, or botanical extracts) during the cool-down phase (below 45°C or 113°F) to avoid destabilizing the emulsion and protect the integrity of the actives.

• Pairing with Other Ingredients: While Emulsifying Wax NF is an all-in-one emulsifier, it works well with fatty alcohols like cetyl or stearyl alcohol for increased thickness and better skin feel. You can also include natural humectants such as glycerin or propanediol in the water phase for added hydration.

Storage & Shelf Life

• Storage: Store Emulsifying Wax NF in a cool, dark place, away from moisture and direct sunlight, to maintain its stability and efficacy.
• Shelf Life: Approximately 2 years when stored under the proper conditions.

Safety Guidelines

Emulsifying Wax NF is intended for external use only. It is not meant for internal consumption, nor is it designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Pregnant individuals or those under the care of a healthcare professional should consult with their doctor before using products containing emulsifying wax. Keep out of reach of children.