Basic Theory of Emulsification

Abstract

A significant problem in emulsion science concerns the selection of surfactants and the stability of emulsions. In the HLB system, emulsification needs to use an emulsifier depending on the properties of an oil. Emulsion preparations in cosmetics consist of a lot of oil ingredients. In order to prepare stable emulsions, it is necessary to select the optimal surfactant among tremendous numbers of surfactants as well as to understand the compatibility between material and material in a dispersed system. This paper reviews the HLB system, organic conception diagram and solubility parameter as a compatibility index, and the optimal selection of a surfactant by the HLB system. Furthermore, acceleration tests for emulsion stability in low and high temperature storages will be discussed in terms of the physical properties of the oil and emulsifier.