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What is an Emulsifier?

G. Wiesen
G. Wiesen

An emulsifier is a substance that assists in the formation and promotes the stability of an emulsion. This substance can come in a number of different forms and from various sources, though it will typically consist of a molecule with two different ends. One end bonds with water, which is called the hydrophilic end, and the other bonds with an oil or similar substance, which is called the hydrophobic end. An emulsifier that is added to a chemical combination of an oily substance and water will work to create a protective barrier around the oily molecules that promotes and stabilizes the formation of an emulsion.

Though an emulsifier can be used for medical purposes, it is also quite commonly found in beauty products and foods. This type of substance is used in the formation of an emulsion, especially in helping that emulsion remain stable for a longer period of time. An emulsion is a mixture of two substances, often liquids, which are not naturally able to successfully combine. An example is when water and oil are combined, which results in the oil forming globs separate from the water itself.

Mayonnaise is an emulsion.
Mayonnaise is an emulsion.

The addition of an emulsifier to this type of compound helps stabilize an emulsion. Many emulsions can be made through the application of kinetic energy, such as the shaking of a vinaigrette dressing, but in a fairly short period the emulsion can break down and return to separate chemicals. When an emulsifier is added to an emulsion, it helps increase the stability of the emulsion and encourage the chemicals to remain together. This is often done by the emulsifier coating the molecules of the chemical that has been added to the mixture, such as the oil added to water, which prevents that chemical from grouping together and separating from the mixture.

Chewing gum often contains emulsifiers.
Chewing gum often contains emulsifiers.

An emulsifier is often used in the production of medical treatments, such as creams, balms, and ointments. These medicines usually consist of a carrier, such as water, to which a chemical with medicinal properties is added. This emulsion is stabilized by the addition of an emulsifier to prevent separation and allow the cream or ointment to remain usable for months or years after creation. Emulsions are also commonly made in food preparation, such as vinaigrette dressings and mayonnaise, as well as in beauty supplies like facial creams. Common emulsifiers include soy and egg lecithin as well as honey, mustard, and various proteins.

Discussion Comments

sorenra67

An interesting part could also be if companies managed to become CO2 neutral. Palsgaard from Denmark has set an overall target of becoming CO2-neutral by 2020. This is an extremely ambitious target for a company with very energy-intensive production processes. It is therefore gratifying to note that Palsgaard in 2012 managed to keep its CO2 emissions per kilo of finished product at 2011 levels. That is interesting!

bagley79

I like to read about everything I can get my hands on regarding health and nutrition. I have read more than once to take some lecithin capsules after you eat a fatty meal.

If you have a couple slices of pizza for dinner and take some lecithin after you eat, this is supposed to work to help break up the fat from the pizza.

Lecithin works as an emulsifying agent and works in your body to break up fatty food. I really don't know if this works or not, but figure it can't do me any harm.

LisaLou

We raise honeybees and many times when I have to feed them I will put a few drops of essential oils in their food. Since their food is a mixture of sugar and water, adding oils to this is tricky because oil and water don't mix well.

By adding a few drops of soya lecithin to the mixture it helps the oil and water mix better. Because this works as a natural emulsifier it does not harm the bees in any way.

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    • Mayonnaise is an emulsion.
      By: Alexandra
      Mayonnaise is an emulsion.
    • Chewing gum often contains emulsifiers.
      By: vlorzor
      Chewing gum often contains emulsifiers.
    • Lotion, an emulsified product.
      By: michelangelus
      Lotion, an emulsified product.
    • An emulsifier is needed to mix oil and vinegar, which have two different bonds.
      By: Picture Partners
      An emulsifier is needed to mix oil and vinegar, which have two different bonds.