List of Oils and Emulsifiers with HLB Values
Understanding HLB Values for Oils and Emulsifiers
The Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) value is a key factor in determining the compatibility of oils and emulsifiers in formulations. A higher HLB value indicates greater water solubility, while a lower value suggests stronger oil affinity. Choosing the right emulsifier for your oil ensures stable and effective emulsions in applications such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products.
Below, you'll find a regularly updated list of oils and emulsifiers along with their HLB values. If you don't see a specific ingredient listed, please contact us with a manufacturer specification sheet that includes the HLB value.
To calculate the required HLB for your formulation, use our HLB Calculator for quick and accurate results.
Oils
Oils play a crucial role in emulsions, influencing texture, stability, and absorption. Each oil has a specific Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) requirement, which determines the type and amount of emulsifier needed for a stable formulation. Below is a list of commonly used oils along with their HLB values.
- Andiroba (Carapa Guianensis) OilRequired HLB: 16.7Launch Calculator →
- Apricot (Prunus Armeniaca) Kernel OilRequired HLB: 7Launch Calculator →
- Argan (Argania Spinosa) OilRequired HLB: 11Launch Calculator →
- Avocado (Persea Americana) OilRequired HLB: 7Launch Calculator →
- Babassu (Attalea Speciosa) OilRequired HLB: 8Launch Calculator →
- BeeswaxRequired HLB: 12Launch Calculator →
- Behenyl AlcoholRequired HLB: 16Launch Calculator →
- Borage (Borago Officinalis) Seed OilRequired HLB: 7Launch Calculator →
- Brazil Nut (Bertholletia Excelsa) OilRequired HLB: 8Launch Calculator →
- Butyl StearateRequired HLB: 11Launch Calculator →
- C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateRequired HLB: 13Launch Calculator →
- Camelina OilRequired HLB: 7Launch Calculator →
- Candelilla (Euphorbia Antisyphilitica) WaxRequired HLB: 14.5Launch Calculator →
- Canola (Brassica Napus) OilRequired HLB: 6Launch Calculator →
- Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideRequired HLB: 5Launch Calculator →
- Carnauba (Copernicia Prunifera) WaxRequired HLB: 15Launch Calculator →
- Carrot (Daucus Carota) Oil / ExtractRequired HLB: 6Launch Calculator →
- Castor (Ricinus Communis) OilRequired HLB: 14Launch Calculator →
- Ceresin WaxRequired HLB: 8Launch Calculator →
- Cetearyl AlcoholRequired HLB: 15.5Launch Calculator →
- Cetearyl EthylhexanoateRequired HLB: 8.22Launch Calculator →
- Cetyl AlcoholRequired HLB: 15.5Launch Calculator →
- Cetyl EstersRequired HLB: 10Launch Calculator →
- Cetyl EthylhexanoateRequired HLB: 1Launch Calculator →
- Cetyl PalmitateRequired HLB: 10Launch Calculator →
- Citronella OilRequired HLB: 12.6Launch Calculator →
- Coco-Caprylate/CaprateRequired HLB: 5Launch Calculator →
- Cocoa (Theobroma Cacao) ButterRequired HLB: 6Launch Calculator →
- Coconut (Cocos Nucifera) OilRequired HLB: 8Launch Calculator →
- Corn (Zea Mays) OilRequired HLB: 10Launch Calculator →
- Cottonseed (Gossypium Hirsutum / Herbaceum) OilRequired HLB: 5.5Launch Calculator →
- CyclohexaneRequired HLB: 15Launch Calculator →
- CyclomethiconeRequired HLB: 7.5Launch Calculator →
- CyclopentasiloxaneRequired HLB: 7.5Launch Calculator →
- Decyl AcetateRequired HLB: 11Launch Calculator →
- Decyl AlcoholRequired HLB: 15Launch Calculator →
- Diisooctyl PhthalateRequired HLB: 13Launch Calculator →
- Diisopropyl AdipateRequired HLB: 9Launch Calculator →
- Diisopropyl BenzeneRequired HLB: 15Launch Calculator →
- DimethiconeDimethylpolysiloxane • PolydimethylsiloxaneRequired HLB: 5Launch Calculator →
- Dimethyl SiliconeRequired HLB: 9Launch Calculator →
- Emu OilRequired HLB: 8Launch Calculator →
- Ethyl BenzoateRequired HLB: 13Launch Calculator →
- Ethylhexyl Isononanoate (and) Isononyl IsononanoateRequired HLB: 9Launch Calculator →
- Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate)Required HLB: 6Launch Calculator →
- Ethylhexyl PalmitateOctyl PalmitateRequired HLB: 8Launch Calculator →
- Ethylhexyl SalicylateOctisalate • Octyl SalicylateRequired HLB: 6Launch Calculator →
- Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus) Leaf OilRequired HLB: 9.8Launch Calculator →
- Eugenol OilRequired HLB: 6Launch Calculator →
- Evening (Oenothera Biennis) Primrose OilRequired HLB: 7Launch Calculator →
- Glycerol MonostearateRequired HLB: 13Launch Calculator →
- Grape (Vitis Vinifera) Seed OilRequired HLB: 7Launch Calculator →
- Hemp (Cannabis Sativa) Seed OilRequired HLB: 7Launch Calculator →
- Hexadecyl AlcoholRequired HLB: 11.5Launch Calculator →
- Hybrid Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius) OilRequired HLB: 9Launch Calculator →
- Hydrogenated Vegetable OilRequired HLB: 3Launch Calculator →
- Isodecyl AlcoholRequired HLB: 14Launch Calculator →
- Isohexadecyl AlcoholRequired HLB: 11.5Launch Calculator →
- Isononyl IsononanoateRequired HLB: 2Launch Calculator →
- Isopropyl LanolateRequired HLB: 14Launch Calculator →
- Isopropyl MyristateRequired HLB: 11.5Launch Calculator →
- Isopropyl PalmitateRequired HLB: 11.5Launch Calculator →
- Isostearic AcidRequired HLB: 15.5Launch Calculator →
- Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis) OilRequired HLB: 6Launch Calculator →
- Karanja (Pongamia Glabra) Seed OilRequired HLB: 8Launch Calculator →
- Kokum (Garcinia Indica) Seed ButterRequired HLB: 8Launch Calculator →
- Kukui (Aleurites Moluccana) Nut OilRequired HLB: 7Launch Calculator →
- LanolinRequired HLB: 10Launch Calculator →
- Laurel (Laurus Nobilis) OilRequired HLB: 8Launch Calculator →
- Lauric AcidRequired HLB: 16Launch Calculator →
- Lauryl AlcoholRequired HLB: 14Launch Calculator →
- Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) OilRequired HLB: 12Launch Calculator →
- Lignoceryl ErucateRequired HLB: 6.81Launch Calculator →
- Linoleic AcidRequired HLB: 16Launch Calculator →
- Liquid ParaffinRequired HLB: 11.8Launch Calculator →
- Macadamia (Macadamia Integrifolia) Nut OilRequired HLB: 7Launch Calculator →
- Mango (Mangifera Indica) Seed ButterRequired HLB: 8Launch Calculator →
- Mango (Mangifera Indica) Seed OilRequired HLB: 7Launch Calculator →
- Meadowfoam (Limnanthes Alba) Seed OilRequired HLB: 6Launch Calculator →
- Methyl Phenyl SiliconeRequired HLB: 7Launch Calculator →
- Methyl SiliconeRequired HLB: 11Launch Calculator →
- Mineral OilRequired HLB: 10Launch Calculator →
- Myristyl MyristateRequired HLB: 7.52Launch Calculator →
- Neem (Azadirachta Indica) OilRequired HLB: 9Launch Calculator →
- OctyldodecanolRequired HLB: 10.9Launch Calculator →
- Oleic AcidRequired HLB: 17Launch Calculator →
- Oleyl AlcoholRequired HLB: 13.5Launch Calculator →
- Olive (Olea Europaea) Fruit OilRequired HLB: 7Launch Calculator →
- Palm (Elaeis Guineensis) OilRequired HLB: 10Launch Calculator →
- Palmitic AcidRequired HLB: 11.5Launch Calculator →
- Paraffin WaxRequired HLB: 10Launch Calculator →
- Peanut (Arachis Hypogaea) OilRequired HLB: 6Launch Calculator →
- Pentaerythrityl TetraisostearateRequired HLB: 7.67Launch Calculator →
- Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) OilRequired HLB: 12.3Launch Calculator →
- PetrolatumRequired HLB: 7.5Launch Calculator →
- Pistachio (Pistacia Vera) Seed OilRequired HLB: 7Launch Calculator →
- Polyethylene GlycolRequired HLB: 20Launch Calculator →
- Polyethylene WaxRequired HLB: 15Launch Calculator →
- PPG-2 Myristyl Ether PropionateRequired HLB: 8.03Launch Calculator →
- PPG-3 Benzyl Ether MyristateRequired HLB: 13.49Launch Calculator →
- PPG-15 Stearyl EtherRequired HLB: 7Launch Calculator →
- Red Raspberry (Rubus Idaeus) Seed OilRequired HLB: 7Launch Calculator →
- Retinyl PalmitateRequired HLB: 6Launch Calculator →
- Rice (Oryza Sativa) Bran OilRequired HLB: 7Launch Calculator →
- Ricinoleic AcidRequired HLB: 16Launch Calculator →
- Rose Hips (Rosa Canina) OilRequired HLB: 7Launch Calculator →
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) Leaf ExtractRequired HLB: 7Launch Calculator →
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) OilRequired HLB: 15Launch Calculator →
- Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius) OilRequired HLB: 8Launch Calculator →
- Sesame (Sesamum Indicum) OilRequired HLB: 7Launch Calculator →
- Shea (Butyrospermum Parkii) ButterRequired HLB: 8Launch Calculator →
- Soybean (Glycine Soja) OilRequired HLB: 6Launch Calculator →
- SqualaneRequired HLB: 7Launch Calculator →
- Star Anise (Illicium Verum) OilRequired HLB: 16.5Launch Calculator →
- Stearic AcidRequired HLB: 15Launch Calculator →
- Stearyl AlcoholRequired HLB: 15.5Launch Calculator →
- Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) Seed OilRequired HLB: 7Launch Calculator →
- Sweet Almond (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis) OilRequired HLB: 7Launch Calculator →
- Tamanu (Calophyllum Inophyllum) Seed OilRequired HLB: 8Launch Calculator →
- TocopherolVitamin ERequired HLB: 6Launch Calculator →
- Tricresyl PhosphateRequired HLB: 17Launch Calculator →
- Tridecyl AlcoholRequired HLB: 14Launch Calculator →
- Tridecyl NeopentanoateRequired HLB: 9.88Launch Calculator →
- Wheat (Trititum Vulgare) Germ OilRequired HLB: 7Launch Calculator →
Emulsifiers
Emulsifiers help blend oil and water by balancing their hydrophilic and lipophilic properties. The HLB value of an emulsifier indicates whether it is better suited for oil-in-water (high HLB) or water-in-oil (low HLB) emulsions. Below is a list of emulsifiers along with their HLB values to assist in selecting the right one for your formulation.
- Beheneth-25BASF Eumulgin® BA 25HLB: 15.5Launch Calculator →
- Butylene GlycolHLB: 8.9Launch Calculator →
- Calcium Stearoyl LactylateHLB: 5.1Launch Calculator →
- Ceteareth-6HLB: 10.5Launch Calculator →
- Ceteareth-6 (and) Stearyl AlcoholBASF Emulgade® A 6HLB: 11Launch Calculator →
- Ceteareth-12BASF Eumulgin® B 1HLB: 13.5Launch Calculator →
- Ceteareth-15HLB: 14.5Launch Calculator →
- Ceteareth-20BASF Eumulgin® B 2 • BASF Eumulgin® CC 20 YRHLB: 15.2Launch Calculator →
- Ceteareth-25BASF Eumulgin® B 25HLB: 16.5Launch Calculator →
- Ceteareth-30BASF Eumulgin® B 3HLB: 16.5Launch Calculator →
- Ceteareth-100HLB: 18.5Launch Calculator →
- Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Ceteareth-20BASF Emulgade® 1000 NIHLB: 6Launch Calculator →
- Cetearyl Alcohol (and) PEG-40 Castor Oil (and) Sodium Cetearyl SulfateBASF Emulgade® FHLB: 10.5Launch Calculator →
- Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Polysorbate 60BASF Lanette® Wax ESHLB: 12.5Launch Calculator →
- Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Polysorbate 60Emulsifying Wax NFHLB: 14.9Launch Calculator →
- Cetearyl GlucosideHLB: 11Launch Calculator →
- Cetearyl Glucoside (and) Cetearyl AlcoholBASF Emulgade® PL 68/50HLB: 11Launch Calculator →
- Cetearyl Olivate (and) Sorbitan OlivateHallstar Olivem® 1000HLB: 9Launch Calculator →
- Ceteth-2HLB: 5.3Launch Calculator →
- Ceteth-10HLB: 12.9Launch Calculator →
- Ceteth-20HLB: 15.7Launch Calculator →
- Cocamide DEAHLB: 12.56Launch Calculator →
- Cocamide MEAHLB: 13.5Launch Calculator →
- Decyl GlucosideHLB: 13.5Launch Calculator →
- Dimethyl IsosorbideHLB: 8.4Launch Calculator →
- Ethylene GlycolHLB: 9.85Launch Calculator →
- Glyceryl CaprylateHLB: 6Launch Calculator →
- Glyceryl LaurateBASF Monomuls® 90-L 12HLB: 5.4Launch Calculator →
- Glyceryl OleateBASF Monomuls® 90-O18HLB: 3.5Launch Calculator →
- Glyceryl Oleate CitrateHLB: 13Launch Calculator →
- Glyceryl StearateBASF Cutina® GMS VHLB: 3.8Launch Calculator →
- Glyceryl Stearate (and) PEG-100 StearateBASF Emulgade® 165 CNHLB: 11.5Launch Calculator →
- Glyceryl Stearate CitrateEvonik AXOL® C 62 Pellets MBHLB: 12Launch Calculator →
- Glyceryl Stearate SEBASF Cutina® GMS-SEHLB: 6Launch Calculator →
- Glyceryl Stearate SE (and) Sucrose StearateEvonik TEGO® Care SE 121 MBHLB: 13Launch Calculator →
- Glycol DistearateHLB: 1Launch Calculator →
- Glycol StearateHLB: 2.9Launch Calculator →
- Hexylene GlycolHLB: 7.95Launch Calculator →
- Isoceteth-20HLB: 15.7Launch Calculator →
- Isosteareth-20HLB: 15Launch Calculator →
- Lauramide DEAHLB: 15Launch Calculator →
- Laureth-1HLB: 3.5Launch Calculator →
- Laureth-2HLB: 6Launch Calculator →
- Laureth-3HLB: 8Launch Calculator →
- Laureth-4HLB: 9.7Launch Calculator →
- Laureth-5HLB: 10.5Launch Calculator →
- Laureth-7HLB: 12Launch Calculator →
- Laureth-9HLB: 13Launch Calculator →
- Laureth-23HLB: 16.9Launch Calculator →
- Lauryl GlucosideHLB: 11.5Launch Calculator →
- LecithinHLB: 4Launch Calculator →
- Linoleamide DEAHLB: 10Launch Calculator →
- LysolecithinHLB: 11.5Launch Calculator →
- Methyl Glucose SesquistearateEvonik TEGO® Care PSHLB: 12Launch Calculator →
- Oleoyl polyoxyl-6 glyceridesGattefossé Labrafil® M 1944 CSHLB: 9Launch Calculator →
- Oleth-2HLB: 4.9Launch Calculator →
- Oleth-5BASF Eumulgin® O 5HLB: 9.5Launch Calculator →
- Oleth-10BASF Eumulgin® O 10HLB: 12.4Launch Calculator →
- Oleth-20BASF Eumulgin® O 20 SHLB: 15.3Launch Calculator →
- Oleth-30BASF Eumulgin® O 30 SHLB: 16.8Launch Calculator →
- PEG-4 DilaurateHLB: 6Launch Calculator →
- PEG-7 Glyceryl CocoateHLB: 10Launch Calculator →
- PEG-7 OlivateHLB: 11Launch Calculator →
- PEG-8 DioleateHLB: 8Launch Calculator →
- PEG-8 LaurateHLB: 13Launch Calculator →
- PEG-8 OleateHLB: 11.6Launch Calculator →
- PEG-20 Almond GlyceridesHLB: 10Launch Calculator →
- PEG-20 Glyceryl StearateBASF Cutina® E 24HLB: 15Launch Calculator →
- PEG-20 Methyl Glucose SesquistearateHLB: 15Launch Calculator →
- PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor OilHLB: 10.8Launch Calculator →
- PEG-30 DipolyhydroxystearateHLB: 5.5Launch Calculator →
- PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilBASF Kolliphor® RH 40 • BASF Cremophor® RH 40HLB: 15Launch Calculator →
- PEG-40 Sorbitan PeroleateHLB: 9Launch Calculator →
- PEG-60 Almond GlyceridesHLB: 15Launch Calculator →
- PEG-80 Sorbitan LaurateHLB: 19.1Launch Calculator →
- PEG-100 StearateHLB: 18.8Launch Calculator →
- Pentylene GlycolHLB: 8.42Launch Calculator →
- Polyglyceryl-3 BeeswaxHLB: 4.5Launch Calculator →
- Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose DistearateHLB: 12Launch Calculator →
- Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate (and) Polyglyceryl-6 BehenateBASF TEGO® Care PBS6 MBHLB: 13Launch Calculator →
- Polyoxyl Castor OilBASF Kolliphor® EL • BASF Cremophor® ELHLB: 13Launch Calculator →
- Polysorbate 20BASF Kolliphor® PS 20 • BASF Eumulgin® SML 20 • Alkest® TW 20 • Croda Tween™ 20 • KLK Kotilen-20HLB: 16.67Launch Calculator →
- Polysorbate 60BASF Kolliphor® PS 60 • Alkest® TW 60 • Croda Tween™ 60 • KLK Kotilen-60 • Seppic Montanox™ 60HLB: 14.9Launch Calculator →
- Polysorbate 80BASF Kolliphor® PS 80 • Alkest® TW 80 • Croda Tween™ 80 • KLK Kotilen-80 • Seppic Montanox™ 80HLB: 15Launch Calculator →
- Polysorbate 85Alkest® TW 85 • Croda Tween™ 85 • Seppic Montanox™ 85HLB: 11Launch Calculator →
- Propylene GlycolHLB: 9.38Launch Calculator →
- Propylene Glycol IsostearateHLB: 2.5Launch Calculator →
- Sodium CaseinateHLB: 14Launch Calculator →
- Sodium DodecylbenzenesulfonateHLB: 10.6Launch Calculator →
- Sodium Stearoyl LactylateHLB: 8.3Launch Calculator →
- Sorbitan IsostearateHLB: 4.7Launch Calculator →
- Sorbitan LaurateHLB: 8.6Launch Calculator →
- Sorbitan MonolaurateCroda Span™ 20 • E493HLB: 9Launch Calculator →
- Sorbitan MonooleateCroda Span™ 80 • E494HLB: 4Launch Calculator →
- Sorbitan MonostearateCroda Span™ 60 • E491HLB: 5Launch Calculator →
- Sorbitan OleateHLB: 4.3Launch Calculator →
- Sorbitan OlivateHallstar Olivem® 900HLB: 4.5Launch Calculator →
- Sorbitan SesquioleateHLB: 3.7Launch Calculator →
- Sorbitan Stearate (and) Sucrose CocoateHLB: 6Launch Calculator →
- Sorbitan TrioleateHLB: 1.8Launch Calculator →
- Sorbitan TristearateCroda Span™ 65 • E492HLB: 2Launch Calculator →
- Stearamide MEAHLB: 11Launch Calculator →
- Steareth-2BASF Eumulgin® S 2HLB: 6Launch Calculator →
- Steareth-20HLB: 15.3Launch Calculator →
- Steareth-21BASF Eumulgin® S 21HLB: 16Launch Calculator →
- Steareth-100HLB: 18.8Launch Calculator →
- Sucrose StearateHLB: 13Launch Calculator →
Understanding the HLB values of oils and emulsifiers is essential for creating stable and effective formulations. By using the right combination, you can achieve the desired consistency and performance in your products. For accurate HLB calculations, try our HLB Calculator.