Emulsifier Alfa

A special emulsifier that forms cold process emulsions, particularly useful when working with heat-sensitive ingredients. In addition to emulsions, oily gels can also be obtained which instantly turn into lotions on contact with water. Particularly mild, long-lasting moisturiser and versatile, it forms interesting textures.

All natural oil thickening agent, transforming oils into oily gels. By adding an aqueous phase to the oily gel, emulsions can be obtained.

BENEFITS

• liquid cold process emulsifier
• mild, well tolerated by all skin types, good moisturiser
• forms interesting, innovative textures
• versatile, can be used as an oil thickener or cold emulsifier
• combined with oils forms translucent, sensory-pleasing gels that are easy to rinse off and does not leave the skin feel greasy
• ADVANTAGES over other emulsifiers:
• working at cold temperatures, it can emulsify heat sensitive ingredients
• it is more flexible in terms of the ratio of oil phase to water phase
• emulsions made with this emulsifier are particularly stable
• combined only with oils, without water, it forms a stable and aesthetic oily gel, which emulsifies instantly in contact with water and leaves the skin not greasy, but moisturised and velvety

USE RECOMMENDATIONS 

• cosmetic ingredient
• ideal for fluid creams, facial serums, lotions, body milks, masks
• can be used to make light emulsions, sprayable fluid emulsions, cleansing lotions, exfoliating gels, scrubs, gentle creams for babies and children

FORMULATION GUIDE

• recommended use level 20-25% to create an oily gel
• oily gels can tolerate a reasonable amount of electrolytes, an important feature in the formulation of salt scrubs
• can thicken vegetable oils, butters, esters and silicones, non=polar lipids, forming clear crystalline gels
• can also be used to make milk-like emulsions, lotions and fluid creams by adding an aqueous phase to the oily gel
• recommended use level 5-10% as a cold emulsifier for o/w emulsions
• works both at room temperature and by heating up to 80ºC
• stable in the pH range 4.0 - 8.0
• Examples of formulas with Alfa emulsifier
• Fluid cream | Micellar lotion | Oily gel | Emulgel

PREPARING an OILY GEL

• General ratio 1 : 4, emulsifier : total oils (vegetable oils, melted butters, esters, silicones, non-polar lipids, liposoluble active ingredients).
• The more oil is added to the emulsifier, the more viscous the gel becomes. The use of glycerin will help a little to lower the viscosity, if necessary and if the formula allows.
• Weigh the oils and emulsifier in two separate containers. Proceed in a similar way as when preparing mayonnaise. Start mixing the emulsifier, then, using a pipette, add a few drops of oils to the emulsifier, and stir vigorously. Continue to add the oils a little at a time, and keep mixing. The mixture will become increasingly viscous. As the gel thickens, you can start adding the oil in larger amounts, but don't add more until the previous portion is fully integrated. Once all of the oils have been incorporated, a stable oily gel results.
• This gel can be used on its own or as a base for a cleanser, make-up remover or scrub, or it can form the oil phase of an emulsion.

PREPARING an EMULSION

• Use 5-10% Alfa emulsifier as part of the oil phase. Examples of levels of emulsifier in the oil phase of an emulsion:
• 20% oils + 6% emulsifier, 25% oils + 8% emulsifier, 30% oils + 10% emulsifier.
• First prepare the oily gel as described above. Gradually add the aqueous phase with mixing. A thickening agent may be needed in the aqueous phase to give extra viscosity, usually xanthan gum. Once the entire aqueous phase has been incorporated, essential oil or fragrance and a suitable preservative can be added.

SAFETY DATA

• cosmetic use only
• for details refer to safety datasheet