Why PEG 100 remains a go-to stabilizer for lightweight lotions
Emulsifier PEG 100 is a nonionic compound that binds oil and water phases into a smooth, stable oil-in-water emulsion, preventing separation during storage. It belongs to the Emulsifiers category, which brings together stabilizing agents for creams, lotions and body milks used by home formulators and small production studios alike. The 25 gram pack is sized specifically for trial batches and recipe testing, letting hobbyists and small brands fine-tune a formula before scaling up to larger production runs without wasting raw material.
The strongest demand for this ingredient comes from the personal care industry, where it appears in day and night creams, sunscreens, body balms, hair conditioners and certain deodorant sticks. Beyond its main emulsifying role, the compound often acts as a co-emulsifier, boosting the performance of a primary thickener and giving the finished texture a light, non-greasy feel after application. It is frequently paired with other stabilizers such as ErcaLan 75, which adds extra resistance to temperature fluctuations during storage of the finished product.
Typical usage rate ranges from 2 to 6 percent of the total formula weight, depending on the desired cream density and the oil phase load. The ingredient is added to the oil phase while heating to 70-75 degrees Celsius, then the oil phase is combined with a water phase heated to the same temperature under constant stirring. This temperature matching ensures even distribution of the emulsifier and prevents the finished product from splitting over time. Combining PEG 100 with Emulpharma V gives a denser cream consistency, while pairing it with Olivem 900 results in a lighter, faster-absorbing plant-based texture.
Outside cosmetics, similar emulsifiers are used in household chemistry for cream cleaners and polishes, where a stable connection between water and oil phases is equally important to avoid separation on the shelf. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, compounds with a similar mechanism help create uniform ointment bases, though this application is less widespread than skincare. Store the ingredient in a dry place at room temperature, in a tightly sealed container away from direct sunlight and moisture, to preserve its emulsifying properties for the full shelf life.
Light body lotion with shea butter
Distilled water 62 ml
Shea butter 7 ml
Emulsifier PEG 100 4 g
Cetyl alcohol 2 g
Glycerin 5 ml
Preservative 1 ml
Lavender essential oil 3 drops
Heat the water phase with glycerin to 75 degrees, and separately melt the oil phase with the emulsifier and cetyl alcohol to the same temperature. Slowly pour the oil phase into the water phase while stirring continuously with a mixer for about five minutes, then cool the mixture to 40 degrees, add the preservative and essential oil, blend until smooth and transfer into a clean container.