HLBværdien

HLB stands for Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance. It is a system used to describe the degree to which a surfactant, or emulsifier, is hydrophilic (water-loving) or lipophilic (oil-loving). The HLB value is a numerical scale, typically ranging from 0 to 20.

Surfactants with lower HLB values (generally 3-6) are more lipophilic and tend to be soluble in oil. They are often used as emulsifiers for water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions, where the continuous phase is oil. Examples include emulsifying waxes and sorbitan esters.

Surfactants with higher HLB values (generally 8-18) are more hydrophilic and tend to be soluble in water. They are commonly used as emulsifiers for oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, where the continuous phase is water. Examples include ethoxylated alcohols and polysorbates.

There are also surfactants with intermediate HLB values that can act as wetting agents, detergents, or dispersants, depending on their specific structure and the application. The HLB system helps formulators select the appropriate surfactant or combination of surfactants to create stable emulsions and achieve desired product characteristics in various industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food. By understanding the HLB needs of the oil and water phases, formulators can predict and achieve stable formulations.