Understanding Emulsifiers & Gums in Skincare
Emulsifiers and gums are essential components in skincare formulations, allowing water and oil to blend into a stable mixture while improving texture, consistency, and spreadability.
Without emulsifiers, oil and water would naturally separate, leading to unstable and ineffective formulations. Gums, on the other hand, thicken, stabilize, and enhance the feel of skincare products while also contributing to hydration.
At Scrub a Lil Deepa, we choose biodegradable, skin-friendly emulsifiers and gums that work with the skin rather than against it.
| Emulsifier | Function | Best For | Source & Extraction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olivem 1000 | Creates oil-in-water emulsions | Lotions, creams, serums | Derived from olive oil |
| Olivem 2090 | Water-based solubilizer | Sprays, toners, mists | Olive-based, eco-friendly |
| BTMS-50 | Conditioning emulsifier | Hair & beard care, silky creams | Derived from colza (rapeseed) oil |
| Glyceryl Stearate & PEG-100 Stearate | Oil-in-water emulsifier, improves glide | Silky lotions, body butters | Derived from plant fats |
| Sunflower Lecithin | Skin-softening emulsifier | Balms, barrier creams | Extracted from sunflower seeds |
| Riamulse SCG | Eco-certified emulsifier | Lotions, gentle emulsions | Plant-derived & palm-free |
Why Emulsifiers Are Essential in Skincare
Many of the most effective skincare ingredients are either water-soluble (hydrators) or oil-soluble (moisturizers), meaning they don’t naturally mix. Emulsifiers act as the bridge, helping to create a smooth, stable formula that delivers hydration and nourishment evenly.
How Emulsifiers Work
- Blend oil & water – Prevents separation for long-lasting stability.
- Improve texture & spreadability – Ensures even application on the skin.
- Enhance hydration – Helps distribute humectants and occlusives evenly.
- Barrier support – Some emulsifiers, like lecithin, help strengthen the skin barrier.
The Role of Gums in Skincare
Gums are natural or plant-derived thickeners that help stabilize emulsions, prevent separation, and enhance the luxurious feel of a formula.
Key Functions of Gums
- Enhance viscosity – Adds thickness and silkiness to lotions and gels.
- Prevent ingredient separation – Ensures stability in emulsions.
- Boost hydration – Helps retain moisture on the skin’s surface.
| Gum | Function | Best For | Source & Extraction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrowroot Powder | Thickens, softens texture | Powders, lightweight creams | Extracted from arrowroot plant |
| Xanthan Gum | Gel-like thickener | Serums, lotions, haircare | Fermentation-derived |
| Guar Gum | Stabilizer, improves texture | Shampoos, gels, lotions | Extracted from guar beans |
Comparing Emulsifiers & Gums
Although emulsifiers and gums both stabilize formulations, they serve different functions.
Key Differences
- Emulsifiers – Bind oil & water, create smooth, spreadable lotions.
- Gums – Thicken & stabilize water-based formulations, preventing separation.
- Our approach: We use eco-friendly, plant-based emulsifiers and gums that enhance texture without synthetic fillers.
Did You Know?
Sunflower Lecithin not only acts as an emulsifier but also boosts skin hydration and protects the moisture barrier, making it a skincare multi-tasker!
