Emulsion Mixing
For many cosmetic formulators the terms lotion and cream are interchangeable, as both involve mixing to create an emulsion. Many cosmetic emulsions are oil in water (o/w), where the oil phase is surrounded by the water phase, but there are many examples of water in oil (w/o) emulsions as well.
A typical emulsion mixing process begins with heating the water phase and water soluble ingredients to 75‑80°C, depending on the procedure. This may include premixing a thickener such as xanthan gum with glycerin, which is then added to the water and other ingredients. In a separate vessel the oil phase is also heated 75‑80°C, which can include emulsifiers such as glyceryl stearate, and emollients in addition to the oil or butter used. Often these heating and mixing steps use a propeller impeller.
Caframo’s prop diameters range 25 mm – 75 mm (1″-3″)The emulsification mixing begins when both the heated water and oil phases are combined together, with further mixing to achieve homogenization. Once this is achieved, the product is allowed to cool with stirring.
To address the thickening product that develops as it cools, an anchor impeller is often used to scrape the product from the sides of the vessel back towards the centre. After a certain temperature is reached during cooling the remainder of the ingredients will be added, such as preservative and fragrance. pH may be adjusted at this time as well.
Caframo anchor diameters range 50 mm – 250 mm (2″-10″)
Caframo’s high torque line of stirrers has been a popular choice for research and development labs in the cosmetics and personal care industries. The BDC6015 offers the widest range of speed settings, from 40‑6000 rpm. The high torque capabilities of the BDC1850 enable mixing of creams as thick as 90 000 mPa·s, while the BDC3030 is a perfect balance of speed and power, mixing viscosities up to 50 000 mPa·s with speeds up to 3000 rpm.
Both the BDC1850 and BDC3030 are compatible with the sweep impeller U044SW, frequently used during cool down phase, and designed to fit into a popular formulation size 4 L standard beaker. Contact us to discover how Caframo products can be effective for your process.
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