Emulsifiers are key ingredients in the production of things like lotions, creams and salad dressings. They serve to combine ingredients that, in general, don’t mix — oil and water come to mind. Choosing the right emulsifier for your project can be challenging, but with a few tips, you will be able to match yourself with the best one.
What Do Emulsifiers Do?
Emulsifiers are small helpers that ensure that ingredients keep sticking together in a nice and stable manner. It has two roles: to pull water and oil together, and to make sure they remain together, in a mix. Without these emulsifiers, your lotion could separate into an oily layer and a watery layer, and you definitely wouldn’t want to slather that on. Which is why it’s crucial to use a good emulsifier to ensure that your project turns out just right.
Considerations when Selecting an Emulsifier
When you choose an emulsifier, there are a couple of factors to takes into account. First thing to consider is actually the items you are putting into it. Some emulsifiers are more effective with certain oils or waters. Second, what kind of texture do you want in your finished product? Various emulsifiers can result in your lotion being thicker or thinner. Finally, consider any special characteristics you want your product to have, such as having a little extra moisture or soaking in fast.
Other Kinds of Emulsifiers
There are many emulsifiers to choose from, but some of the most common are lecithin, glycerin and sorbitan oleate. Lecithin is a natural emulsifier found in egg yolks, and glycerin is a humectant that conditions skin. When it comes to blending and feeling smooth, sorbitan oleate is a good choice. There are some benefits of each emulsifier, so be sure to choose the right one for your project.
Diagnosing and Repairing Emulsifier Issues
And sometimes, no matter how thoughtfully you choose an emulsifier, things do not go as you hoped. If your mixture won’t mix together or is separating, no worries. To correct the issue, you can experiment with a different emulsifier, the ratio of oil to water or the temperature you mixed at. By experimenting with ideas, you can find the right collection for your over by MediaType, Workflow, or searching.
Finding the Right Balance
The key is to strike a balance between texture (stability vs. how it works). You don’t want your product to be left to settle, but you also want it to feel or taste nice on the body or in a salad. So by meticulously selecting an emulsifier that fits your ingredients and playing around a bit with the mix, you can make something great.