Emulsifying Wax NF - RSPO MB

Emulsifying Wax NF – Cosmetic & Carrier-Base Emulsifier

INCI / INCI-type Name: Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Polysorbate 60 (sold under “Emulsifying Wax NF”) 
Form: White pastilles / small pellets (wax granules) 
Certification: RSPO-MB (Mass Balance) — indicating use of sustainably traced palm-derived raw materials under RSPO framework.
Typical Use: Cosmetic & personal-care emulsifying wax, suitable for creams, lotions, serums, body butters, balms, etc. 

What is Emulsifying Wax NF?

Emulsifying Wax NF is a vegetable-derived, non-ionic emulsifying wax that blends oil- and water-based ingredients into stable, homogeneous emulsions. Its “NF” designation means it conforms to the monograph standards of the United States Pharmacopeia–National Formulary (USP–NF), ensuring standardized quality, safety, and suitability for cosmetic and topical applications. 

In formulas, it helps produce smooth, creamy, stable textures — transforming separate oil and water phases into unified creams, lotions, and other emulsified products. 

Composition & Technical Features

• Key Components: Cetearyl Alcohol (fatty alcohol derived from plant oils) + Polysorbate 60 (a non-ionic emulsifier/surfactant)
• Non-Ionic Emulsifier: This means it is compatible with a wide range of oils, botanical extracts, and active ingredients — and tends to be gentle and stable in skin/hair formulations. 
• Physical Appearance: White waxy pastilles / pellets / granules with minimal to no noticeable odor — making it versatile in scent-sensitive formulations. 
• Melting / Processing Range: Typically melts around 50–54 °C (122–130 °F), allowing for easy melting when creating the oil phase of emulsions.
• Emulsion Type: Oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions — ideal for creams, lotions, and other water-based cosmetic products. 
• Stability / pH Tolerance: Stable across a broad pH range (~5.5–7.0 typical), and compatible with many cosmetic/pharmaceutical ingredients.

Benefits & Why Use Emulsifying Wax NF

• Creates smooth, stable emulsions: Helps bind oil and water phases in creams, lotions, serums, butters — preventing separation over time.
• Versatile texture control: Depending on usage rate and formulation, you can create thin lotions, rich creams, or body butters.
• Simplifies formulation: Often no need for additional emulsifiers — works as a standalone primary emulsifier for many O/W products.
• Vegetable-derived & RSPO-MB certified: For “clean beauty” and sustainability-conscious formulation, the palm-derived raw materials are sourced under a recognized sustainable supply chain standard.
• Reliable & Cosmetic-Grade: Conforms to USP–NF monograph, ensuring consistency, quality, and suitability for cosmetic and topical products.

Suggested Use

• Typical Usage Rate: ~ 3–5% of total weight for lotions; ~ 5–10% for creams. Some sources recommend ~25% of the oil phase when oil phase is significant.
• Compatibility: Works with most oils, butters, actives, botanical extracts; neutral odor reduces interference with essential oil or fragrance profiles.

Considerations & Best Practices

• Because Emulsifying Wax NF is oil-soluble and acts as a non-ionic emulsifier, ensure correct temperature and mixing protocol to avoid separation or instability.
• Use an appropriate preservative when formulating water-containing products - emulsifier does not confer preservation.
• Adjust total wax / oil phase ratio depending on desired final texture (light lotion vs thick cream vs body butter).
• Always patch-test new formulations, especially when adding actives or essential oils.

Why Choose Emulsifying Wax NF?

Emulsifying Wax NF is a workhorse emulsifier — a dependable, easy-to-use, stable, vegetable-derived wax that simplifies creating sophisticated skin, hair, and body care products. Whether you're crafting lightweight lotions, rich creams, balancing serums, or body butters, this wax provides a reliable foundation to ensure your oil- and water-based ingredients stay blended, stable, and consistent over time. Its RSPO-MB certification also aligns with sustainable and ethical sourcing — a plus for conscientious formulators and clean-beauty brands.