Emulsifying Wax NF (Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60)

Emulsifying Wax NF – The Gold Standard Emulsifier for Stable, Creamy Formulations

Emulsifying Wax NF is a widely trusted, non-ionic self-emulsifying wax used in personal care and cosmetic manufacturing to blend oils and water-based ingredients into stable, homogeneous emulsions. The "NF" designation indicates that it conforms to the strict purity and composition standards of the National Formulary, a quality benchmark for pharmaceutical and cosmetic ingredients.

According to the USP-NF monograph, this emulsifier is a precise blend of cetearyl alcohol (a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols) and a polysorbate, typically Polysorbate 60. This synergistic combination enables it to serve as a sole emulsifier, thickener, and stabilizer, eliminating the need for additional co-emulsifiers or stiffening waxes in many formulations.

It appears as white to off-white waxy pastilles or beads with minimal odor. It produces thick, creamy emulsions with a smooth, non-greasy feel, making it ideal for a wide range of products including creams, lotions, body butters, sunscreens, and hair conditioners.

Product Specifications:

• INCI Name: Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60 (or Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60) 

• Appearance: White to off-white, waxy pastilles or beads 

• CAS Numbers: 67762-27-0 (Cetearyl Alcohol) & 9005-67-8 (Polysorbate 60) 

• Melting Point: 50–54°C 

• pH (in aqueous dispersion): 5.5 – 7.0 

• Saponification Value: Max 14 

• Source: Typically vegetable-derived (coconut or palm oil) 

• Usage Rate: Typically 3–6% of total formula

• Incorporation: Add to the oil phase; heat both phases to 70–75°C

• Applications: Creams, lotions, body butters, sunscreens, ointments, pomades, conditioners, cleansers