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Emulsifying Wax NF

What Emulsifying Wax NF is & what it does

Emulsifying Wax NF is a blend of a fatty alcohol, typically cetearyl alcohol, with a nonionic emulsifier such as polysorbate 60, meeting National Formulary standards. In creams and lotions it functions as an emulsifier and thickener, forming stable oil-in-water emulsions and giving products a smooth, cushioned texture. It is widely used as a workhorse base ingredient. It is not a UV filter and no specific concerns are flagged for it.

What is Emulsifying Wax NF?

Emulsifying Wax NF is a blend of a fatty alcohol, usually cetearyl alcohol, with a nonionic emulsifier such as polysorbate 60. The NF marks that it meets National Formulary standards.

What does Emulsifying Wax NF do in a formula?

It works as an emulsifier and thickener, forming stable oil-in-water creams and lotions and giving them a smooth, cushioned texture. It is a common base ingredient and not a UV filter.

Is Emulsifying Wax NF safe?

Emulsifying Wax NF is widely used and generally considered safe in cosmetics, with no specific concerns flagged here. It is a well established formulation workhorse.

Sunscreens with Emulsifying Wax NF

We rate 4 sunscreens that contain it:

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