Emulsifying Wax NF – Self-Emulsifying Wax

Product Overview

Emulsifying Wax NF is a versatile, easy-to-use emulsifying ingredient designed to help bring oil and water together in cosmetic formulations, creating smooth, creamy and stable emulsions.

Made from a combination of Cetearyl Alcohol and Polysorbate 60, this non-ionic emulsifying wax is particularly suitable for making moisturising creams, body lotions, facial moisturisers and other oil-in-water (O/W) formulations.

Its self-emulsifying properties make it a practical choice for both beginners and experienced formulators. It helps create products with a pleasant skin feel while contributing to the consistency, texture and stability of the finished formulation.

Supplied as white to off-white waxy flakes, Emulsifying Wax NF melts easily into the heated oil phase and can be used as the main emulsifier in many conventional cream and lotion formulations.

Key Features & Benefits

• Effective emulsification: Helps combine oil and water into smooth, uniform creams and lotions.

• Supports emulsion stability: Helps reduce separation when used in a properly developed formulation.

• Improves texture: Contributes to a creamy consistency and pleasant application.

• Self-emulsifying: Can function as the main emulsifier in many oil-in-water formulations.

• Versatile formulation ingredient: Suitable for lightweight lotions, rich creams and a variety of skincare products.

• Easy to incorporate: Supplied in convenient waxy flakes that melt into the heated oil phase.

• Non-ionic emulsifier: Compatible with a wide range of commonly used cosmetic ingredients.

Common Applications

Emulsifying Wax NF is suitable for formulating:

• Facial moisturisers and daily face creams

• Rich night creams

• Body lotions and body creams

• Hand creams

• Lightweight moisturising lotions

• Cleansing creams

• Moisturising facial masks

• After-sun lotions

• BB and CC cream bases

• Sunscreen bases, subject to appropriate formulation development and efficacy testing

Formulation Guidance

Recommended Usage Rates

The following percentages refer to Emulsifying Wax NF as supplied, based on the type and desired consistency of the finished formulation.

• General Creams & Lotions: 5–8%

• Rich, Heavy Creams: 8–10%

• Light Body Milks & Serum Lotions: 3–5%

• Cleansing Balms & Moisturising Masks: 6–9%

The ideal amount will depend on the oil phase, other ingredients and desired texture. Additional stabilisers or thickening ingredients may be used where necessary.

Solubility

Cold Water: Insoluble.

Heated Water: Hydrates and emulsifies when heated with water.

Hot Oils & Fatty Alcohols: Soluble.

How to Incorporate

1. Add Emulsifying Wax NF to the oil phase alongside your chosen oils, butters and other oil-soluble ingredients.

2. Heat the oil phase to approximately 70–75°C, stirring until the wax has completely melted.

3. Heat the water phase separately to a similar temperature.

4. Combine the two phases while mixing to form an emulsion.

5. Continue stirring as the mixture cools. Add suitable heat-sensitive ingredients, preservatives and fragrance during the cool-down stage, generally below 40°C, where appropriate for those ingredients.

Recommended Processing Temperature: 70–75°C. Avoid prolonged heating above 85°C and repeated melting.

Recommended Formulation pH: 5.0–7.0, with a reported stability range of 4.5–8.0.

Compatibility: Works with many cosmetic oils, fatty acids, humectants, preservatives and common formulation ingredients. High concentrations of electrolytes or certain cationic ingredients may affect emulsion stability, so compatibility testing is recommended.

Important Formulation Note: Emulsifying Wax NF contains Polysorbate 60, an ethoxylated ingredient. It is therefore not suitable for formulations marketed as non-ethoxylated or PEG-free.

This ingredient is intended primarily for oil-in-water emulsions and is not recommended as the sole emulsifier for water-in-oil systems or anhydrous formulations.

Important Information

Emulsifying Wax NF is supplied as a cosmetic raw material for use in the formulation and manufacture of finished cosmetic products. It is not intended for direct application as a finished skincare product.

INCI: Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Polysorbate 60

CAS Numbers: 67762-27-0 (Cetearyl Alcohol); 9005-67-8 (Polysorbate 60)

Appearance: White to off-white waxy flakes

Melting Point: 50–55°C

Grade: Cosmetic Grade / NF

The stability, safety and performance of finished cosmetic products depend on the complete formulation, manufacturing process and appropriate testing. Customers are responsible for ensuring that their finished products meet applicable cosmetic regulatory requirements.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight, moisture and excessive heat.

Shelf Life: Up to 2 years from the manufacturing date when stored under recommended conditions. Refer to the product label or batch documentation for the applicable expiry date.

For external cosmetic use only.

Certificate of Analysis (COA)                      VIEW DOCUMENT

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)                              VIEW DOCUMENT