Emulsifying Wax
INCI: Emulsifying Wax NF
A blend of cetearyl alcohol and polysorbate (or similar surfactants) used as an all-purpose oil-in-water emulsifier in creams and lotions.
Also known as: polawax
Benefits
- ✓Blends oil and water phases into a stable cream
- ✓Widely used, well-tolerated emulsifier base
No known watch-fors.
In depth
What it does
A blend of cetearyl alcohol and polysorbate (or similar surfactants) used as an all-purpose oil-in-water emulsifier in creams and lotions. As an surfactant ingredient, it is particularly valued for blends oil and water phases into a stable cream and widely used, well-tolerated emulsifier base.
Skin type guide
Generally well-tolerated across skin types. Patch testing is still recommended when introducing any new ingredient.
How to use it
Used as part of a cleanser, so placement is straightforward — it's your first step, applied to damp skin and rinsed off thoroughly. Avoid overwashing, which can disrupt the skin barrier.