Re: Emulsifiers/Solubilizers

[Guest guest]

>I'm trying to understand the difference between emulsifiers and

>solubilizers. I know what an emulsifier is and what it does. It seems

>like solubilizers are similar

Correct.

> - soluble means to dissolve or disperse,

>so I'm guessing a solubilizer would allow a water soluble ingredient to

>disperse in a oil base, and vice-versa - like an emulsifier.

When you combine an oil with a solubilizer, like Polysorbate 20, and

add it to water and it forms a clear solution. You have solubilized the

oil. Actually it is a special type of emulsion. The oil droplets are

smaller than a wavelength of light. Since the light is not reflected

back to the observer's eye, the product appears clear.

However,

>there must be some difference - what is it? Would it be correct to say

>that all emulsifiers are solubilizers but not all solubilizers are

>emulsifiers?

The thing that separates emulsifiers from solubilizers is the HLB:

HLB = 1-3 = Antifoaming agents

HLB = 3-6 = Emulsifying agents (w/o emulsions)

HLB = 7-9 = Wetting agents

HLB = 8-18 = Emulsifying agents (o/w emulsions)

HLB = 13-16 = Detergents

HLB = 16-18 = Solubilizing agents

This information can be found in many sources,

http://www.paddocklabs.com/publications/secundum/secart41.html

is just one source.

Maurice

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Maurice O. Hevey

Convergent Cosmetics, Inc.

http://www.ConvergentCosmetics.com