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Emulsifying Wax
Emulsifying
wax is the basic component for most body lotions and
skin creams. It is basically what keeps the lotion’s
oil and water from separating in the bottle or jar. It does
this by attracting both water molecules and oil molecules
to its own molecular structure. By doing this it bonds the
oil and water together and creates a smooth and creamy texture.
If you are interested in making your own body lotion,
body butter, or body creams then you will need to find
an emulsifying wax to act as your base. There are six basic
types of emulsifying waxes that hobbyists use when making
homemade body lotions. These include: Ceteareth  20, Glyceryl
Stearate, Emulsifying Wax NF, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol/Ceteareth
20, and Polysorbate 20.
While all of the above ingredients are considered emulsifying
wax, not all of these emulsifying waxes are appropriate for
every type of lotion or cream. Ceteareth 20 is a common thickener
and emulsifier for body lotions and creams. However, it works
best when it is combined with another emulsifying wax such
as Glyceryl Stearate.
The amount of emulsifying wax that you use in your oil and
water body lotion or cream will depend on what type of emulsifier
you use. For example Emulsifying Wax NF typically makes
up between 3 and 6 percent of the total weight of the product
being made. Polysorbate 20 is most commonly used for
skin moisturizing sprays. When used for in its spray
form it is added to the product in a 1 to 1 or 1 to 2 polysorbate
20 to essential oil ratio. If this emulsifier is used in a
lotion or cream product then it will need to be used in conjunction
with another emulsifier. If you use cetearyl alcohol then
you it will need to make up between .1 percent and 3 percent
of the product’s total weight.
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