Emulsifier Science at ORY Skincare

The Art & Science of Smooth, Stable Skincare

At ORY Skincare, every custom lotion, cream, and moisturizer is a harmonious blend of nature and science. Central to our formulations is the magic of emulsifiers—plant-derived ingredients that unite oil and water to create the silky, luxurious textures you love. Our Emulsifier Science (#) page dives into how these unsung heroes work, why we choose natural emulsifiers, and how they elevate your personalized skincare ritual. Whether you’re crafting a lotion for Normal, Oily, Dry, Combination, Sensitive, Mature, or Acne-Prone skin, our emulsifiers ensure your formula is stable, skin-friendly, and effective.

What Are Emulsifiers?

Emulsifiers are the glue that binds two immiscible liquids—oil and water—into a smooth, stable emulsion. Think of your favorite ORY lotion: its creamy texture comes from emulsifiers expertly blending nourishing oils (like jojoba or shea butter) with hydrating water-based ingredients (like ionized H₂O or aloe vera). As detailed in this Emulsifier Science page, emulsifiers are amphiphilic molecules with both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (oil-loving) parts, reducing surface tension to create a uniform product that delivers consistent benefits to your skin.

Types of Emulsions

Oil-in-Water (O/W)

Oil droplets are dispersed in water, creating lightweight lotions perfect for Normal, Combination, or Oily skin (e.g., our Oily Skin Lotion with grape seed oil)

Water-in-Oil (W/O)

Water droplets are dispersed in oil, ideal for richer creams suited for Dry or Mature skin (e.g., our Dry Skin Lotion with shea butter).

Multiple Emulsions

Complex blends like W/O/W, used in specialized formulations for targeted delivery, ensuring actives like salicylic acid reach your skin effectively.

The Role of Emulsifiers in Skincare

Emulsifiers do more than just mix ingredients—they enhance your skincare experience in key ways:

Stability

They prevent oil and water from separating, ensuring your lotion stays consistent from the first pump to the last, as noted in our Inside ORY page.

Texture

Emulsifiers like cetearyl alcohol create silky, non-greasy textures that feel luxurious on your skin, whether it’s a lightweight lotion for Oily skin or a rich cream for Dry skin.

Delivery

They stabilize active ingredients (e.g., niacinamide or vitamin C), ensuring they penetrate effectively to address concerns like acne or fine lines.

Skin Benefits

Our plant-based emulsifiers, like Montanov 68, double as emollients, softening and hydrating your skin while supporting its natural barrier.

ORY’s Plant-Based Emulsifiers

At ORY Skincare, we choose gentle, eco-friendly emulsifiers derived from natural sources like coconut, sugar, or rapeseed. These align with our mission of sustainability and clean beauty, as outlined in our Ory Lotion Mission Statement (About Us). Below are the emulsifiers we use, their benefits, and how they cater to your skin type, drawn from our Inside ORY page.

Behenyl Alcohol

Source: Plant-derived, typically from rapeseed oil.

Benefits: Acts as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener, delivering a velvety texture and deep hydration. It strengthens the skin barrier, making it ideal for Dry, Sensitive, or Mature skin.

Best for: Sensitive Skin Lotion with sweet almond oil and chamomile extract, providing a non-irritating, creamy finish.

Why We Love It: Gentle and non-comedogenic, it suits all skin types, including Acne-Prone skin in balanced formulations.

Ceteareth-20

Source: Derived from coconut or palm oil, a non-ionic emulsifier.

Benefits: Enhances spreadability and creates a lightweight, non-greasy texture, perfect for Acne-Prone or Oily skin lotions that need to control shine without clogging pores.

Best for: Acne-Prone Skin Lotion with squalane oil and salicylic acid, ensuring a smooth, matte finish.

Why We Love It: Its cleansing properties complement exfoliants like salicylic acid, making it a go-to for clearer skin.

Cetearyl Alcohol

Source: A blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols from coconut or palm oil.

Benefits: Stabilizes emulsions and adds a creamy, non-greasy feel, supporting hydration without heaviness. Ideal for Oily or Combination skin needing balance.

Best for: Oily Skin Lotion with grape seed oil and niacinamide, delivering a lightweight, shine-free texture.

Why We Love It: Its versatility suits all skin types, offering a smooth glide for daily use.

Cetyl Alcohol

Source: Plant-based, often from coconut oil.

Benefits: Provides mild emollience and a smooth texture, enhancing product glide without overwhelming the skin. Perfect for Combination or Normal skin seeking balanced hydration.

Best for: Combination Skin Lotion with jojoba oil and Centella asiatica, balancing oily and dry zones.

Why We Love It: Its gentle nature ensures comfort for mixed skin types without clogging pores.

Glyceryl Stearate

Source: Derived from glycerin and stearic acid, often from vegetable oils.

Benefits: Emulsifies and softens, locking in moisture for a plush, non-sticky finish. Excellent for Mature or Dry skin needing nourishment.

Best for: Mature Skin Lotion with argan oil and vitamin C, offering a luxurious, firming texture.

Why We Love It: Its skin-softening properties enhance anti-aging benefits, creating a rich yet breathable formula.

Montanov 68

Source: Eco-certified, derived from sugar and coconut.

Benefits: Creates stable, lamellar emulsions that mimic the skin’s structure, providing long-lasting hydration and a silky feel. Ideal for Normal or Sensitive skin seeking gentle care.

Best for: Normal Skin Lotion with jojoba oil and green tea extract, maintaining a balanced glow.

Why We Love It: Its sustainable sourcing and skin-mimicking properties align with ORY’s clean beauty ethos.

“Discover the power of our botanical infusions, expertly blended with premium carrier oils to nourish and enhance your skin’s unique needs. We’re always exploring the finest botanical blends to elevate care for every skin type.”