O/W stabilizers

Very efficient and widely used stabilizers for O/W emulsions are polymers, especially the carbomers (CTFA-name). These are polyacrylate resins which have to be neutralized in order to form gels, usually by the use of triethanolamine (TEA). Amounts up to 0.5% are recommended for cosmetic emulsions. Too much can leave an unpleasant feel on the skin. The principle of stabilization is the thickening of the outer phase. The use of preneutralized copolymers, e.g. acrylamide/sodiurn acrylate copolymer can make incorporation and handling easier.