Product Overview
Emulsifying Wax NF is a versatile, non-ionic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water into smooth, stable emulsions. Its INCI name is Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Polysorbate 60, made up of two functional components, cetearyl alcohol (CAS 67762 27 0), which thickens and stabilizes a formulation, and polysorbate 60 (CAS 9005 67 8), which does the actual emulsifying work. Together, these two ingredients meet the standards for self-emulsifying waxes established in the National Formulary, which is where the NF designation in its name comes from.
EZ Elements supplies Emulsifying Wax NF to Canadian cosmetic manufacturers and DIY formulators building creams, lotions, body butters, facial moisturizers, hand creams, and hair conditioners. It is widely used precisely because it is mild, predictable, and easy to work with, whether the formulator is running a commercial production line or mixing a small test batch on a kitchen counter.
Why It Is a Go to Ingredient for Creams and Lotions
Emulsifying Wax NF has become a staple across the cosmetic industry because it solves one of formulation’s most persistent problems, keeping oil and water blended together in a stable, pleasant to use product.
- Creates stable oil in water emulsions. It reduces the separation that naturally occurs between oil and water phases, keeping a finished lotion or cream smooth and consistent from the first use to the last.
- Functions as both an emulsifier and a thickener. Beyond blending oil and water, it also builds body and texture into a formulation, reducing the need for a separate thickening ingredient in many recipes.
- Delivers a rich, creamy, luxurious feel. Formulations built with Emulsifying Wax NF apply evenly and leave skin with a soft, non-greasy finish.
- Mild and broadly compatible. It works well with a wide variety of carrier oils, plant butters, botanical extracts, and other cosmetic ingredients, making it easy to slot into an existing formulation.
- Approachable for every skill level. Its predictable, forgiving behavior makes it a dependable choice for both commercial manufacturers scaling production and DIY formulators developing a first recipe.
Key Features & Benefits
- Creates stable, long-lasting oil in water emulsions for creams, lotions, and body butters.
- Ideal for facial moisturizers, hand creams, body lotions, and hair conditioners.
- Provides a rich, creamy texture that applies evenly to skin and hair.
- Helps prevent oil and water separation throughout a product’s shelf life.
- Functions as both an emulsifier and a thickener in a single ingredient.
- Compatible with carrier oils, plant butters, botanical extracts, and most other cosmetic ingredients.
- Non-ionic, meaning it works well alongside anionic, cationic, and other nonionic ingredients in a formulation.
- Easy to use for both professional manufacturers and DIY skincare formulators.
Applications
Emulsifying Wax NF is used across the personal care formulation categories served by EZ Elements, anchored by skin and hair care applications.
Personal Care & Cosmetic Formulations
- Facial moisturizers and creams, where it builds a stable, evenly applying base
- Body lotions and body butters, where it blends carrier oils and plant butters into a smooth, non-greasy finish
- Hand creams and balms, where it helps deliver a rich, protective texture
- Hair conditioners, where it emulsifies conditioning oils into a rinse off or leave in formula
- DIY and small batch skincare formulations, where its predictable, forgiving behavior supports consistent results
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
| INCI Name | Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Polysorbate 60 |
| CAS No. | 67762 27 0 (Cetearyl Alcohol), 9005 67 8 (Polysorbate 60) |
| Composition | Approximately 70% to 80% cetearyl alcohol, 20% to 30% polysorbate 60 |
| Appearance | White waxy pellets or flakes |
| Melting Point | 50°C to 54°C |
| pH (3% dispersion) | 5.5 to 7.0 |
| HLB Value | Approximately 12 to 15, depending on manufacturer |
| Solubility | Water insoluble but water dispersible; disperses into the oil phase of a formulation |
| Recommended Use Level | 2% to 25% of total formulation; typically, 3% to 5% for lotions and 5% to 10% for creams |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dark, dry place; typical shelf life of 2 to 3 years with proper storage |
| Regulatory Status | Meets National Formulary (NF) monograph standards for self-emulsifying waxes; TDS, COA, and SDS available on request |
Why Choose EZ Elements as Your Supplier
EZ Elements supplies Emulsifying Wax NF with consistent quality and complete documentation, supporting both commercial cosmetic manufacturers and independent formulators across Canada.
- Full documentation including Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA), and Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Consistent melting point, pH, and composition, batch tested for reliable performance
- Bulk supply with transparent, competitive pricing across all available pack sizes
- Technical support on usage rates, formulation troubleshooting, and pairing with carrier oils and butters
Safety & Storage Guidelines
- Store in a cool, dark, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
- Keep the container tightly sealed between uses to protect against contamination.
- When switching from another brand of Emulsifying Wax NF, run a small test batch first, since formulations can vary slightly and may require an adjustment in usage percentage.
- Conduct compatibility and stability testing when introducing it into a new formulation, particularly at higher use levels.
Complete handling, first aid, and disposal instructions are provided in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available from EZ Elements upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is Emulsifying Wax NF?
Emulsifying Wax NF is a non-ionic emulsifier made from cetearyl alcohol and polysorbate 60. The NF designation means it meets the standards established in the National Formulary for self-emulsifying waxes, and it is widely used to blend oil and water into stable, smooth cosmetic emulsions.
Q2: What is Emulsifying Wax NF used for?
It is used to formulate creams, lotions, body butters, facial moisturizers, hand creams, and hair conditioners, where it blends oil and water phases together while also thickening the finished product.
Q3: How much Emulsifying Wax NF should I use?
Recommended use levels generally range from 2% to 25% of a formulation, though most lotions use around 3% to 5%, and most creams use around 5% to 10%. As with any emulsifier, running a small test batch helps confirm the right percentage for a specific formulation.
Q4: Is Emulsifying Wax NF safe for skin?
Yes. Emulsifying Wax NF is a mild, widely used cosmetic ingredient found in a broad range of commercially available creams, lotions, and hair conditioners. As with any cosmetic raw material, a patch test is recommended when developing a new formulation for those with sensitive skin.
Q5: What is the difference between Emulsifying Wax NF and Polawax?
Polawax is a specific branded version of emulsifying wax built on the same core INCI, cetearyl alcohol and polysorbate 60. Different manufacturers’ versions of Emulsifying Wax NF, including Polawax, can behave slightly differently in a formulation, which is why a small test batch is recommended whenever switching between brands.
Q6: Where can I buy Emulsifying Wax NF in Canada?
Emulsifying Wax NF is available for bulk purchase directly from EZ Elements, with supply options for cosmetic manufacturers, personal care brands, and DIY formulators across Canada. Contact our team for current pricing, documentation, and product samples.
Related Ingredients
The following EZ Elements ingredients are commonly used alongside or as complements to Emulsifying Wax NF in cream, lotion, and body care formulations:
- Sweet Almond Carrier Oil A lightweight carrier oil frequently used in the oil phase of lotions and creams emulsified with Emulsifying Wax NF.
- Avocado Carrier Oil A rich, nutrient dense oil that pairs well with Emulsifying Wax NF in intensive moisturizing formulations.
- Poly Suga Mulse D9 A naturally derived, sugar-based emulsifier that formulators sometimes compare against or blend alongside Emulsifying Wax NF depending on formulation and label goals.
Order or Enquire
Looking to buy Emulsifying Wax NF in bulk? Contact EZ Elements for current pricing, full product documentation, and supply options across personal care and cosmetic manufacturing. We supply brands, manufacturers, and formulators across Canada. Reach out today to request a sample, Technical Data Sheet, or a bulk pricing quote for your next project.
