Polyaquol 2W is an emulsifier that creates a very gentle and non-greasy feel on the skin. It is a purely natural product derived from various vegetable oils without a palm-based origin, suitable for vegan formulations. It is certified by both Ecocert and COSMOS.
About this ingredient
Polyaquol 2W is an O/W emulsifier for natural cosmetics. It is derived from various vegetable oils without a palm-based origin, so it is also suitable for vegan formulations, and it carries both Ecocert and COSMOS certification. It leaves a very gentle and non-greasy feel on the skin.
Key benefits
- Gentle and non-greasy feel
Emulsions made with Polyaquol 2W leave a very gentle and non-greasy feel on the skin.
- Protection against UV radiation
It has been clinically proven that it prevents damage to the skin barrier by UV radiation and at the same time regenerates cells that have been damaged specifically by UV radiation.
- Versatile and easy to combine
It is highly versatile and easy to combine, and therefore easy to use.
- Oil phase or water phase
You can add it to either the oil phase or the water phase — depending on the consistency you want to obtain.
- Tolerant of electrolytes
It tolerates electrolytes as well, for example table salt, which is unusual for O/W emulsions.
Ingredient properties
Polyaquol 2W and its benefits
It has been clinically proven that it prevents damage to the skin barrier by UV radiation and at the same time regenerates cells that have been damaged specifically by UV radiation. It is also, like Neocare P3R, highly versatile and easy to combine, and therefore easy to use.
It can be added to either the oil phase or the water phase — depending on the consistency you want to obtain. The viscosity is in fact higher when Polyaquol 2W is added to the oil phase.
Processing in the hot phase
This is an emulsifier that works best in the hot phase, when you can achieve its complete homogenisation.
- Work in the hot phase 75 – 82 °C
Polyaquol 2W works best in the hot phase, from 75 to 82 °C — at this temperature you achieve its complete homogenisation.
- Bring the temperature down before adding 75 – 82 °C
If your formulation contains a raw material that needs to be heated to a higher temperature, the temperature must be reduced to the aforementioned degrees before adding Polyaquol 2-W.
- Oil phase into the water phase
When mixing, it is recommended to add the oil phase to the water phase — hence it is an O/W emulsifier.
Self-emulsifying gel and viscosity profiles
Polyaquol is self-emulsifying and forms a stable gel in water. This means that you can use it, for example, to produce creamy cleansing products without an oil phase — this property is also found in our Olivem 1000.
Despite how very light this emulsifier is, it is quite astonishing how many viscosity profiles you can create from it — from a light fluid to a thick creamy consistency. This very property predestines it for broad-spectrum use in natural cosmetics.
Tolerance of electrolytes
It is even highly tolerant of electrolytes (for example table salt), which is really unusual for O/W emulsions, as they usually break down after salt is added.
Frequently asked questions about this ingredient
Practical questions about Polyaquol 2W — composition and certification, choosing the phase, working temperature and its behaviour with electrolytes.
Is Polyaquol 2W suitable for vegan cosmetics?
Yes. It is a purely natural product derived from various vegetable oils without a palm-based origin and suitable for vegan formulations. It is certified by both Ecocert and COSMOS.
Which phase should Polyaquol 2W be added to?
It can be added to either the oil phase or the water phase — depending on the consistency you want to obtain. The viscosity is higher when Polyaquol 2W is added to the oil phase.
At what temperature is Polyaquol 2W processed?
It works best in the hot phase, from 75 to 82 °C, when you can achieve its complete homogenisation. If your formulation contains a raw material that needs to be heated to a higher temperature, the temperature must be reduced to the aforementioned degrees before adding Polyaquol 2-W.
Can it be used without an oil phase?
Yes. Polyaquol is self-emulsifying and forms a stable gel in water, so you can use it, for example, to produce creamy cleansing products without an oil phase. This property is also found in Olivem 1000.
Does Polyaquol 2W tolerate salt and other electrolytes?
Yes, it is highly tolerant of electrolytes (for example table salt), which is really unusual for O/W emulsions — they usually break down after salt is added.
Conclusion
It is definitely worth trying this product and experimenting a little in the world of emulsifiers. Do not hesitate to share your experience of creating natural cosmetics with us at [email protected].
You will find natural O/W emulsifiers for creams, lotions and cleansing products in the Handymade ingredient range.
