<br/>Cosmetics come in a variety of formats for consumers, from single phase aqueous or oil-based liquids or balms to bi-phase or even multi-phase emulsions. Typically, these emulsions form a meta-stable mixture of an internal and external phase. The most common types of emulsions in skincare, haircare, and color cosmetics are bi-phase oil-in-water (O/W), water-in-oil (W/O), or water-in-silicone (W/Si). The immiscible phases are emulsified and stabilized through the use of surfactant molecules, which incorporate characteristics of both phases. Traditionally, the HLB (hydrophile-lipophile balance) system was used to approximate ideal ratios for theoretical emulsions, with mixtures of high and low HLB valued emulsifiers being combined for optimized stability. Ethoxylated surfactants, or PEGs (poly-ethoxylated glycols), were a highly functional, versatile, and standard pick for traditional cosmetics, though more recently have come under fire from consumers and “clean” brands for residual levels of 1,4-dioxane from production reactions. This has led formulators to seek alternative emulsifiers for creating enhanced sensory and stability formulations.

“Colloids, surfactants, and interfaces in cosmetic formulations”

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.