Emulsions are very important in preparation of a number of personal care formulations. Most emulsions contain a water phase and a water insoluble phase. Emulsions containing only these elements are difficult to make with the desired stability, functionality and aesthetics.
If one adds ethanol, a material that partitions between the water and oil phase, preparing suitable emulsions becomes much more difficult. This paper deals with a multi-stepped approach to making difficult emulsions, one type being emulsions that contain oil, water and alcohol. In the first step the proper HLB is determined experimentally, and in the second structural variables within a particular HLB are investigated. This combined approach provides very stable emulsions.
Before addressing the specific hydroalcoholic emulsions, a short review of emulsion technology is necessary.
Emulsification is a process that allows for the preparation of a metastable single phase of two insoluble materials. The preparation of cosmetically appealing emulsions is a very challenging and often frustrating undertaking. The metastable nature of the two insoluble materials is critical to understanding the nature and performance of emulsions. The metastable nature of the emulsion, and the requirement that the emulsion be cosmetically appealing, offer unique challenges to the formulator. This article will deal with the nature of the emulsion and what factors affect the emulsion.
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