Emulsifier
Emulsifiers are the quiet workhorses that let oil and water blend into a stable cream, lotion or serum. Without them a moisturiser would separate — they give formulas their smooth, even texture and pleasant feel.
406 ingredients in this category · page 2 of 2
Polyglyceryl-2 Caprate
POLYGLYCERYL-2 CAPRATE
A gentle emulsifier that helps bind water and oil in skincare formulations
Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate
POLYGLYCERYL-2 DIISOSTEARATE
An emulsifying agent that helps bind oil and water in skincare formulations
Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate
POLYGLYCERYL-2 ISOSTEARATE
A synthetic emulsifier that stabilises oil and water in formulations
Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquioleate
POLYGLYCERYL-2 SESQUIOLEATE
An emulsifier that helps oil and water blend smoothly in formulations
Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate
Blend of stearic acid and glycerin derivative | Primarily used as an emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-20 Octaisononanoate
POLYGLYCERYL-20 OCTAISONONANOATE
A synthetic surfactant that cleanses and stabilises formulations
Polyglyceryl-3 Cocoate
POLYGLYCERYL-3 COCOATE
A coconut-derived emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in formulations
Polyglyceryl-3 Decyltetradecyl Ether
POLYGLYCERYL-3 DECYLTETRADECYL ETHER
A synthetic emulsifier that helps bind water and oil phases in formulations
Polyglyceryl-3 Dicitrate/Stearate
POLYGLYCERYL-3 DICITRATE/STEARATE
A synthetic emulsifier that stabilises oil and water in formulations
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Blend of isostearic acid and glycerin derivative | Primarily used as an emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate
POLYGLYCERYL-3 DISTEARATE
A synthetic emulsifier that stabilises oil-and-water formulations in skincare creams
Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate
POLYGLYCERYL-3 LAURATE
A gentle emulsifier that helps bind water and oil in formulations
Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate
POLYGLYCERYL-3 OLEATE
An emulsifying agent that helps blend oil and water in skincare formulations
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Primarily used to keep oil and water phases of skin care blended | Helps soften and condition skin
Polyglyceryl-3 Ricinoleate
POLYGLYCERYL-3 RICINOLEATE
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps bind water and oil in skincare formulations
Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate
Ester of stearic acid and polyglycerin-3 | Functions as an emollient, emulsifier, and surfactant
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
An emollient and surfactant formed by the combination of polyglycerin-4 + capric acid | As a skin-conditioning agent, it smooths and hydrates skin
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprylate
POLYGLYCERYL-4 CAPRYLATE
A gentle emollient and emulsifier derived from plant-based sources
Polyglyceryl-4 Cocoate
POLYGLYCERYL-4 COCOATE
A coconut-derived emollient and emulsifier that softens and helps stabilise formulations
Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate …
POLYGLYCERYL-4 DIISOSTEARATE/POLYHYDROXYSTEARATE/SEBACATE
A synthetic emulsifier that stabilises oil and water in skincare formulations
Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate
May be plant-derived or synthetic | Ester of a polymer of glycerin and lauric acid, present in coconut or palm oils
Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate
Ester of oleic acid and polyglycerin-4 | Emulsifying agent used to mix oil and water-based ingredients in formulas
Polyglyceryl-5 Dioleate
POLYGLYCERYL-5 DIOLEATE
An emulsifier that helps blend oil and water-based ingredients in skincare formulations
Polyglyceryl-5 Oleate
POLYGLYCERYL-5 OLEATE
An emulsifier derived from plant oils that stabilises oil and water in formulations
Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate
POLYGLYCERYL-6 BEHENATE
A synthetic emulsion stabiliser that helps bind water and oil in formulations
Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
Gentle cleansing agent, emulsifier, and emollient | Commonly found in cleansing lotions, makeup removers, and micellar waters
Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate
Made from combining an ester of stearic acid with a polymer of glycerin | Works as an oil-in-water emulsifier, and cleansing agent
Polyglyceryl-6 Isostearate
Synthetic mixture of fatty acids from stearic acids and a glycerin polymer | Functions as an emollient, emulsifier, and surfactant
Polyglyceryl-6 Octastearate
Comprised of vegetable fatty acids | Skin conditioning ingredient
Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate
The ester of oleic acid and humectant polyglycerin-6 | Versatile performance as an emollient, surfactant and emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-6 Olivate
POLYGLYCERYL-6 OLIVATE
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in formulations
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyhydroxystearate
POLYGLYCERYL-6 POLYHYDROXYSTEARATE
A synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare formulations
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
POLYGLYCERYL-6 POLYRICINOLEATE
An emulsifier derived from castor oil that helps stabilise skincare formulations
Polyglyceryl-6 Ricinoleate
Ester of polyglyceryl-6 and ricinoleic acid | Serves as an emollient and surfactant
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Often used to coat mineral sunscreen active ingredients to help them disperse evenly | Other roles in skin care include emulsion stabiliser, film-former, and texture-enhancing thickener
Polyquaternium-80
POLYQUATERNIUM-80
A conditioning polymer that supports cleansing formulations and hair care products
Polysorbate 21
POLYSORBATE 21
A nonionic emulsifier that stabilises oil and water-based formulations
Polysorbate 60
Widely used emulsifier made from sorbitol and stearic acid | Provides mild cleansing properties
Polysorbate 80
Surfactant composed of fatty acids (primarily oleic acid) | Often included in skin care formulations as an emulsifying or solubilizing agent
Potassium Cocoyl Rice Amino Acids
POTASSIUM COCOYL RICE AMINO ACIDS
A coconut and rice-derived cleanser that conditions while it removes oil and impurities
Potassium Laurate
POTASSIUM LAURATE
A natural surfactant and emulsifier derived from lauric acid with purifying properties
Potassium Laureth Phosphate
POTASSIUM LAURETH PHOSPHATE
A mild surfactant that helps oils and water blend together in formulations
Potassium Ricinoleate
POTASSIUM RICINOLEATE
A plant-derived cleanser and emulsifier derived from castor seed oil
Potassium Soyate
POTASSIUM SOYATE
A plant-derived cleanser and emulsifier that helps stabilise skincare formulations
Potassium Stearate
POTASSIUM STEARATE
A potassium salt surfactant that cleanses and stabilises emulsions
PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24
PPG-13-DECYLTETRADECETH-24
A synthetic emulsifier that helps blend water and oil-based ingredients in skincare formulations
PPG-14 Polyglyceryl-2 Ether
PPG-14 POLYGLYCERYL-2 ETHER
A synthetic emulsifier that helps bind water and oil in formulations
PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide
PPG-2 HYDROXYETHYL COCAMIDE
A coconut-derived emulsifier that stabilises formulations and supports texture
PPG-2-Deceth-12
PPG-2-DECETH-12
A synthetic emulsifier that stabilises oil and water-based ingredients in formulations
PPG-24-Glycereth-24
PPG-24-GLYCERETH-24
A multifunctional solvent and emulsifier that stabilises skincare formulations
PPG-5-Ceteth-10 Phosphate
PPG-5-CETETH-10 PHOSPHATE
A surfactant and emulsifier that stabilises oil and water-based formulations
Pumpkin Seed Oil PEG-8 Esters
PUMPKIN SEED OIL PEG-8 ESTERS
A plant-derived emollient and emulsifier that helps blend oils and water in skincare formulas
Quillaja Saponaria Bark
QUILLAJA SAPONARIA BARK
A plant-derived cleanser and emulsifier with natural foaming properties
Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract
QUILLAJA SAPONARIA BARK EXTRACT
A natural surfactant derived from tree bark with cleansing and conditioning properties
Rhamnolipids
RHAMNOLIPIDS
A naturally-derived surfactant that stabilises emulsions and enhances skin feel
Rice Bran Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
RICE BRAN OIL POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps bind oil and water in skincare formulations
Ricinoleic Acid
RICINOLEIC ACID
A cleansing fatty acid derived from castor oil with emulsifying properties
Ricinoleth-40
RICINOLETH-40
A plant-derived cleansing agent that helps remove oil and impurities from skin
Safflower Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-4 Esters
SAFFLOWER SEED OIL POLYGLYCERYL-4 ESTERS
A mild plant-derived cleansing agent that removes oil whilst conditioning the skin
Saponins
SAPONINS
Plant-derived cleansing agent that lifts dirt and oil without harsh stripping
Shea Butter Glycereth-8 Esters
SHEA BUTTER GLYCERETH-8 ESTERS
A plant-derived cleanser and emulsifier derived from shea butter
Shea Butter Glyceride
SHEA BUTTER GLYCERIDE
A plant-derived emollient and emulsifier derived from shea butter
Shea Butter Glycerides
SHEA BUTTER GLYCERIDES
A plant-derived emulsifier that conditions skin and hair while stabilising formulations
Shea Butter PEG-32 Esters
SHEA BUTTER PEG-32 ESTERS
A plant-derived emulsifier that conditions skin whilst helping formulations blend smoothly
Shea Butter Polyglyceryl-6 Esters
SHEA BUTTER POLYGLYCERYL-6 ESTERS
A plant-derived emollient and emulsifier that softens skin and stabilises formulations
Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Crosspolymer
SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/VP CROSSPOLYMER
A polymer that stabilises emulsions and helps formulations stay uniform
Sodium Caproyl Lactylate
SODIUM CAPROYL LACTYLATE
An emulsifier derived from lactic acid that helps blend oil and water in formulations
Sodium Caprylate
SODIUM CAPRYLATE
A fatty acid salt that stabilises formulations and may support skin barrier function
Sodium Carboxymethyl Starch
SODIUM CARBOXYMETHYL STARCH
A starch-derived polymer that stabilises formulations and supports skin hydration
Sodium Carrageenan
SODIUM CARRAGEENAN
A polysaccharide thickener that stabilises formulations and supports skin hydration
Sodium Coco-Glucoside Tartrate
SODIUM COCO-GLUCOSIDE TARTRATE
A plant-derived cleanser and emulsifier that helps remove oil and dirt
Sodium Coco-Sulfate
SODIUM COCO-SULFATE
A plant-derived surfactant that cleanses and helps formulations mix evenly
Sodium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Royal Jelly
SODIUM COCOYL HYDROLYZED ROYAL JELLY
A coconut-derived cleanser combining natural emollient properties with gentle surfactant action
Sodium Isostearate
SODIUM ISOSTEARATE
A synthetic fatty acid salt that cleanses and stabilises formulations
Sodium Laurate
SODIUM LAURATE
An anionic surfactant derived from lauric acid, primarily used as a cleanser and emulsifier
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Naturally derived ingredient | Used as an emulsifier and mild thickening agent
Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate
SODIUM LAUROYL METHYLAMINOPROPIONATE
A mild surfactant that cleanses and stabilises formulations
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Used as a surfactant (cleansing agent) | Can be plant-derived or created synthetically
Sodium Methyl Isethionate
SODIUM METHYL ISETHIONATE
A gentle anionic surfactant derived from coconut fatty acids, commonly used to cleanse and emulsify
Sodium Oleate
SODIUM OLEATE
A fatty acid salt that cleanses and stabilises formulations
Sodium Olivate
SODIUM OLIVATE
A plant-derived surfactant and emulsifier that supports cleansing formulations
Sodium Palm Kernelate
SODIUM PALM KERNELATE
A palm kernel soap base used in bar cleansers
Sodium Palmate
SODIUM PALMATE
A plant-derived cleanser that removes oil and dirt without stripping the skin
Sodium Palmitate
SODIUM PALMITATE
A fatty acid salt that cleanses and stabilises formulations
Sodium PEG-7 Olive Oil Carboxylate
Mild surfactant derived from olive oil | Formed by reacting olive oil fatty acids with polyethylene glycol (PEG)
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE
A polymer that stabilises formulations and helps control texture in skincare products
Sodium PPG-16/PEG-2 Lauryl Ether Sulfate
SODIUM PPG-16/PEG-2 LAURYL ETHER SULFATE
A synthetic surfactant that cleanses and helps formulations blend together
Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate
SODIUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE
A modified starch that stabilises formulations and absorbs excess moisture
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Gentle cleansing agent with emulsifying properties | Made from amino acid glutamic acid
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
Stabilises the water phase of formulas that contain hydrating ingredients | Works via its interaction with proteins and starches, where it can also help modify a product’s texture
Sodium Surfactin
SODIUM SURFACTIN
A naturally-derived surfactant that cleanses and stabilises formulations
Sodium Tamanuseedate
SODIUM TAMANUSEEDATE
A multifunctional cleansing and stabilising agent used across skincare formulations
Sodium Taurine Cocoyl Methyltaurate
SODIUM TAURINE COCOYL METHYLTAURATE
A gentle coconut-derived cleanser that removes oil and impurities whilst maintaining skin balance
Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate
SODIUM TOCOPHERYL PHOSPHATE
A water-soluble vitamin E derivative that converts to active tocopherol in the skin
Sorbeth-30 Tetraisostearate
SORBETH-30 TETRAISOSTEARATE
A synthetic ester that stabilises oil and water in formulations
Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate
SORBETH-30 TETRAOLEATE
A synthetic emulsifier that helps oil and water phases blend in skincare formulations
Sorbitan Caprylate
SORBITAN CAPRYLATE
A plant-derived emulsifier with emerging purifying properties
Sorbitan Fatty Acid Ester
SORBITAN FATTY ACID ESTER
A surfactant derived from sorbitol and fatty acids that stabilises oil and water in formulations
Sorbitan Isostearate
Similar to the liquid fatty acid isostearic acid | Works as a mild cleansing agent and emulsifier
Sorbitan Laurate
Works as a cleansing agent and emulsifier | Also used to enhance the overall texture of skin care products
Sorbitan Oleate
Emulsifier and cleansing agent | Also used in food preparations
Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer
SORBITAN OLEATE DECYLGLUCOSIDE CROSSPOLYMER
A synthetic emulsifier and cleanser that stabilises formulations and reduces foam
Sorbitan Olivate
Mixture of fatty acids from olive oil and dehydrated sugar sorbitol | Functions as an emulsifier and mild cleansing agent
Sorbitan Palmitate
Mild emulsifier for stable, gentle formulations
Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate
SORBITAN SESQUIISOSTEARATE
An emulsifier that helps bind oil and water in skincare formulations
Soy Acid
SOY ACID
A plant-derived emollient that softens skin and supports barrier function
Soy Protein Phthalate
SOY PROTEIN PHTHALATE
Plant-derived protein that conditions skin and stabilises formulations
Soyamine
SOYAMINE
A plant-derived ingredient that helps stabilise formulations and improve texture
Soybean Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters
SOYBEAN OIL POLYGLYCERYL-6 ESTERS
A plant-derived emollient and emulsifier that conditions skin whilst stabilising formulations
Soybean Protein
Glycine Soja Protein
Plant protein for firming and nourishing
Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
STEARAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE
A conditioning agent that reduces static and improves texture in rinse-off formulations
Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine Stearate
STEARAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE STEARATE
A conditioning agent that helps reduce static and improve texture in formulations
Steareth-2
STEARETH-2
An emulsifier that helps blend water and oil-based ingredients in skincare formulations
Steareth-20
STEARETH-20
A mild surfactant that helps cleanse and stabilise emulsions in skincare formulas
Steareth-21
STEARETH-21
A gentle surfactant and emulsifier that helps cleanse and stabilise formulations
Stearic Acid
STEARIC ACID
A long-chain fatty acid that stabilises emulsions and supports skin barrier function
Stearoyl Inulin
STEAROYL INULIN
A polysaccharide-derived ingredient that stabilises formulations and conditions skin
Stearyl Alcohol
STEARYL ALCOHOL
A fatty alcohol that stabilises emulsions and conditions skin without occlusion
Sucrose Cocoate
SUCROSE COCOATE
A natural emulsifier derived from coconut that stabilises formulations and conditions skin
Sucrose Dilaurate
SUCROSE DILAURATE
A synthetic emollient and emulsifier derived from sugar and lauric acid
Sucrose Distearate
SUCROSE DISTEARATE
A plant-derived emollient and emulsifier that softens skin and stabilises formulations
Sucrose Laurate
SUCROSE LAURATE
A plant-derived surfactant and emollient with emerging evidence for brightening and pigmentation concerns
Sucrose Myristate
SUCROSE MYRISTATE
A sugar-derived emollient that softens skin and stabilises formulations
Sucrose Palmitate
SUCROSE PALMITATE
A plant-derived emollient that softens skin and helps stabilise formulations
Sucrose Polystearate
SUCROSE POLYSTEARATE
A plant-derived emulsifier and skin softener that helps bind water and oil in formulations
Sucrose Stearate
SUCROSE STEARATE
A natural surfactant that stabilises emulsions and conditions the skin
Sucrose Tetraisostearate
SUCROSE TETRAISOSTEARATE
A multi-functional sugar-derived emollient that softens skin whilst stabilising formulations
Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate
SUCROSE TETRASTEARATE TRIACETATE
A synthetic emollient and emulsifier that conditions skin and stabilises formulations
Sucrose Trilaurate
SUCROSE TRILAURATE
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare formulas
Sulfated Castor Oil
SULFATED CASTOR OIL
A cleansing surfactant derived from castor oil that helps emulsify and remove impurities
Sunflower Glycerides Citrate
SUNFLOWER GLYCERIDES CITRATE
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare formulations
Sunflower Seed Oil Glyceride
SUNFLOWER SEED OIL GLYCERIDE
A plant-derived emollient and emulsifier that softens skin and helps stabilise formulations
Sunflower Seed Oil Glycerides
SUNFLOWER SEED OIL GLYCERIDES
A lightweight plant-derived emollient that conditions and helps stabilise formulations
Sweet Almond Oil Ethyldimethylammonium Esters Lactate
SWEET ALMOND OIL ETHYLDIMETHYLAMMONIUM ESTERS LACTATE
A modified almond oil ester that stabilises oil and water in skincare formulas
Synthetic Candelilla Wax
SYNTHETIC CANDELILLA WAX
A plant-derived wax that stabilises formulas and conditions skin
Tea-Laurate
TEA-LAURATE
A mild surfactant that cleanses and stabilises formulations
Tea-Lauryl Sulfate
TEA-LAURYL SULFATE
A mild surfactant commonly used in gentle cleansing formulations
Tea-Stearate
TEA-STEARATE
A gentle surfactant that cleanses whilst helping oils and water work together
Tocopheryl Phosphate
TOCOPHERYL PHOSPHATE
A water-soluble vitamin E derivative that delivers antioxidant protection and supports skin barrier function
Tribehenin PEG-20 Esters
TRIBEHENIN PEG-20 ESTERS
A multi-functional conditioning agent that softens skin and stabilises formulations
Triceteareth-4 Phosphate
TRICETEARETH-4 PHOSPHATE
A phosphate-based emulsifier that stabilises oil and water in formulations
Trideceth-12
TRIDECETH-12
A synthetic emulsifier that stabilises oil and water in skincare formulations
Trideceth-15
TRIDECETH-15
A mild surfactant that helps oils and water mix smoothly in formulations
Trideceth-3
TRIDECETH-3
A surfactant that helps oil and water blend together in skincare formulations
Trideceth-5
TRIDECETH-5
A synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water-based ingredients in skincare formulations
Trideceth-6
TRIDECETH-6
A gentle emulsifier that helps bind water and oil in skincare formulations
Trideceth-6 Phosphate
TRIDECETH-6 PHOSPHATE
A phosphate-based emulsifier that stabilises oil and water in formulations
Trideceth-9
TRIDECETH-9
A synthetic emulsifier that helps blend water and oil-based ingredients in formulations
Triethanolamine
TRIETHANOLAMINE
A multi-purpose ingredient that stabilises formulations and adjusts pH balance
Trilaureth-4 Phosphate
TRILAURETH-4 PHOSPHATE
A synthetic emulsifier that stabilises formulations and supports ingredient delivery
Vegetable Glycerides Phosphate
VEGETABLE GLYCERIDES PHOSPHATE
A plant-derived emollient and emulsifier that conditions and stabilises skincare formulations
Watermelon Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-10 Esters
WATERMELON SEED OIL POLYGLYCERYL-10 ESTERS
A plant-derived emulsifier that conditions skin while helping formulations blend seamlessly
Watermelon Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters
WATERMELON SEED OIL POLYGLYCERYL-6 ESTERS
A plant-derived emulsifier that conditions skin while helping oil and water blend
Wheat Germ Acid
WHEAT GERM ACID
A wheat-derived ingredient with cleansing and conditioning properties for skincare formulations
Zea Mays Oil
ZEA MAYS OIL
A lightweight plant oil that conditions skin and hair whilst offering emollient benefits
Zinc Coceth Sulfate
ZINC COCETH SULFATE
A zinc-based surfactant that cleanses and stabilises formulations
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