Choosing an emulsifier for small-batch cream formulations
Emulsifier EMULPHARMA 90 in a 30 gram pack belongs to the Emulsifiers
category, which brings together components designed to bind water and oil phases into stable, homogeneous systems resistant to separation. This compact packaging makes it a practical option for home cosmetic formulation, recipe testing and small trial batches before scaling up production.
The primary application of EMULPHARMA 90 is forming oil-in-water emulsions for facial and body creams, lotions, milks, conditioners and protective balms. Its nonionic mechanism ensures compatibility with a broad range of oils, silicones, botanical extracts and active ingredients without risking phase separation or texture instability in the finished product. The emulsifier maintains stability across a wide pH range, which extends its usefulness from gentle baby creams to more concentrated anti-aging formulas.
In industrial practice, emulsifiers of this type are used not only in skincare production but also in hand and body cream manufacturing on continuous processing lines, as well as in certain household emulsion products such as creamy polishes and cleaning pastes. Recommended dosage for EMULPHARMA 90 typically ranges from 3 to 6 percent of the total formula weight, depending on the amount and type of oils used. The component is added to the oil phase and heated together with it to around 70-75 degrees Celsius, after which the oil phase is slowly poured into the water phase preheated to the same temperature while stirring continuously.
This emulsifier pairs well with other stabilizers and co-emulsifiers, allowing formulators to fine-tune the texture and stability of the final product. Combining it with ErcaLan 75 emulsifier produces denser, richer creamy textures thanks to the complementary action of both emulsifiers at different points along the interfacial boundary. For lighter, fast-absorbing emulsions built around naturally derived ingredients, formulators often add SIMULGREEN 18-2, which improves the sensory feel of the finished cream. A combination with Olivem 900 is also common for formulas focused on naturally sourced raw materials and gentle skin compatibility.
When working with this emulsifier, it is important to maintain proper temperature control at every stage of the process - cooling the emulsion too quickly can lead to structural instability, while overheating certain formula components can degrade heat-sensitive actives added later in the process. After combining the phases, continue stirring until the mixture cools to room temperature, periodically checking for a smooth, uniform texture. Store the emulsifier in a dry, cool place, in a tightly sealed container, away from direct sunlight and moisture, to preserve its functional properties throughout its shelf life.
The small 30 gram size is well suited for those just starting to develop their own cosmetic formulas or testing several recipe variations at once without committing to a large volume of raw material.
Lightweight body lotion
Distilled water 72 ml
Fractionated coconut oil 9 ml
Shea butter 4 g
Emulsifier EMULPHARMA 90 4 g
Glycerin 3 ml
Aloe vera extract 2 ml
Fragrance oil 0.3 ml
Preservative 0.5 ml
Combine
the coconut oil, shea butter and emulsifier in a heatproof container and warm
over a water bath to about 72 degrees Celsius until the emulsifier fully melts.
Separately heat the water with glycerin to the same temperature. Slowly pour
the oil phase into the water phase while mixing continuously for 3-4 minutes
until a uniform emulsion forms. Remove from heat and keep stirring until the
mixture cools to around 40 degrees, then blend in the aloe vera extract,
preservative and fragrance oil. Mix until smooth and transfer into a clean jar,
allowing it to cool fully to room temperature before sealing.