highHLB

HighHLB is a term used in formulation science to describe surfactants with a high hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value. The HLB of a surfactant is commonly presented on a 0 to 20 scale, where higher numbers indicate greater hydrophilicity. HighHLB materials are therefore more water-soluble and are especially suitable for stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions and for cleansing applications where aqueous dispersion is important. In practice, highHLB surfactants are those with HLB values above about 12, with many falling in the 12–20 range.

Formulators use highHLB surfactants for products such as detergents, shampoos, emulsion-based cosmetics, and some food and pharmaceutical creams. They are chosen when the dominant phase is water, and when the oil phase needs to be dispersed as tiny droplets in water rather than dissolved in oil.

Measurement and selection: HLB values can come from manufacturer tables or be estimated by calculation using methods such as Griffin or Davies. Because real systems differ in oil type, water hardness, and other ingredients, formulators often mix surfactants with different HLB values to achieve a target emulsification and then confirm stability experimentally.

Examples of highHLB surfactants include polysorbates (Tween series) and several ethoxylated fatty alcohol esters, which commonly have HLB values in the mid to high teens. HighHLB surfactants are less suitable for water-in-oil emulsions and may interact differently with electrolytes and fragrances.