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!

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