Vegetable Emulsifying Wax NF

What is Vegetable Emulsifying Wax NF?

Vegetable Emulsifying Wax NF is a blend of chemicals, namely cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and polysorbate 60. It is used to easily combine water and oil to make emulsion-based moisturizers. "NF" stands for National Formulary. When something is "NF" it means that it adheres to the national formulary standards for that particular ingredient. (Percentages of components used, purity standards, etc.) Other ingredients listed as "vegetable emulsifying wax" without the "NF" may have different blends of chemicals. Commonly it contains components like ceteareth-20. 

There are other blends that may be listed as "vegetable emulsifying wax" or "emulsifying wax." Unfortunately when we see these listed, we don't know what chemicals we're really dealing with. When you see these, reach out to the manufacturer and ask for the INCI names of the emulsifying wax constituents they're using. There is a certified organic emulsifying wax on the market that consists of a blend of beeswax and lecithin. 

What are its Risks?

• Contamination Concerns 
Polysorbate 60, a component of vegetable emulsifying wax NF, is an ethoxylated chemical, meaning it’s been created with ethylene oxide, traces of which, along with its carcinogenic byproduct, 1,4-dioxane, can remain in the product. 

• Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to polysorbate 60 have been documented but seem to be rare. 

• Skin Irritation 
May be a mild skin irritant at higher concentrations or in sensitive individuals.

Sources:

https://web.archive.org/web/20160825055812/http://...  

https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/pol...

https://www.spectrumchemical.com/media/residual/Re...