Emulsifying Wax NF (Pastilles)

Emulsifying wax is a cosmetic emulsifying ingredient. The ingredient name is often followed by the initials NF, indicating that it conforms to the specifications of the National Formulary.

Emulsifying wax is created when a wax material such as vegetable wax is treated with a compound such as polysorbate that cause it to make oil and water bind together into a smooth emulsion.

An emulsion is a mixture of two or more immiscible (unblendable) liquids. One liquid (the dispersed phase) is dispersed in the other (the continuous phase). Examples of emulsions include butter and margarine, milk and cream, and vinaigrettes. In butter and margarine, fat surrounds droplets of water (a water-in-oil emulsion). In milk and cream, water surrounds droplets of fat (an oil-in-water emulsion). Emulsification is the process by which emulsions are prepared.

Many cosmetics rely heavily on emulsification to create the products we use on a daily basis such as lotions and creams.

Emulsifying Wax NF is one of the easiest emulsifiers to use and is used by most home crafters of lotions and creams.

Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com