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Emulsifying Wax Explained: CA&P60 vs CA&SLS — Which One Should You Use?

If you’ve ever wondered why your DIY lotion keeps separating, or how professional cosmetic brands get that silky, smooth texture in their creams and cleansers, the answer lies in one hero ingredient: emulsifying wax.

At Holistic Emporium, we stock two tried-and-tested types of emulsifying wax to help you create luxurious, stable, and skin-loving products — Emulsifying Wax (CA&P60) and Emulsifying Wax (CA&SLS). But what’s the difference? And which one is right for your formulation?

What Is Emulsifying Wax?

Emulsifying wax is an essential ingredient in skincare and haircare formulations that binds water and oil together. Without it, your lotion would separate into oily and watery layers — not ideal, Unless that’s what you going for 🙂

It also gives your products a creamy consistency, enhances shelf stability, and can even influence the skin-feel of your final formulation.

Emulsifying Wax (CA&P60)

INCI: Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Polysorbate 60
Best For: Leave-on creams, lotions, serums, body butters

This mild, non-ionic emulsifier is perfect for gentle, nourishing skincare. The Polysorbate 60 component helps create smooth oil-in-water emulsions that won’t clog pores or irritate skin — even on sensitive complexions.

Benefits:

  • Ideal for sensitive skin
  • Gentle and non-comedogenic
  • Great for leave-on products
  • Creates a light, non-greasy feel
  • Supports natural and eco-conscious formulations

Emulsifying Wax (CA&SLS)

INCI: Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Best For: Rinse-off cleansers, hair masks, shampoos, scrubs

If you’re formulating cleansers or shampoo bars, this emulsifying wax provides excellent foaming and cleansing power. It’s an anionic emulsifier, meaning it works well in products that need to be rinsed off and is especially effective in removing dirt, oil, and impurities.

Benefits:

  • Excellent emulsification and foaming
  • Great for rinse-off formulations
  • Budget-friendly for large-scale production
  • Long shelf life and high performance
  • Ideal for hair and body products

I hope that this info helps you create your best products. Here are a few Tips to help you along the way:

  • Always heat the wax above 65°C to ensure proper melting.
  • Emulsify using a stick blender or high-shear mixer for a smooth result.
  • Add your heat-sensitive ingredients (like essential oils or preservatives) below 40°C.
  • Use clean, sanitised equipment to avoid contamination

Whether you’re crafting a gentle face cream or a bubbly cleanser, choosing the right emulsifying wax can make all the difference. With CA&P60 and CA&SLS, you’re covered from head to toe.