Polawax

Often sold as Polawax™ NF
A widely used emulsifying wax in skincare and hair-care formulations.

What it is

1. Polawax is a non-ionic self-emulsifying wax (i.e., it doesn’t carry a strong net charge).
2. It is designed for forming oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions.
3. It is produced by Croda International plc under the trade name Polawax™ NF.
4. Appearance: White beads for ease of formulation.
5. Composition: While the full formula is proprietary, it typically comprises fatty alcohols (such as cetearyl alcohol) plus ethoxylated sorbitan esters or other non-ionic emulsifiers and stabilizers.

Key features & benefits

• All-in-one emulsifier/thickener: Polawax acts as both emulsifier and thickener in one product.
• Vegetable/plant-derived: It is described as a “vegetable-derived” emulsifier, suitable for natural or “green” formulations.
• Easy to use: Because it is self-emulsifying, it simplifies formulation — ideal for DIY makers and small-scale labs.
• Good stability: Works across a wide pH range and shows good heat and metal-ion stability when properly formulated.

Typical formulation & use levels

• Lotions: Use around 2–4% of total formulation weight.
• The wax should be heated with the oil phase (melted) and then combined with the heated water phase, followed by cooling under stirring to form the emulsion.
• This is standard for fatty alcohol-based emulsifiers.
• Melting point: Approximately 60 °C