One-Step Multiple Emulsions Driven by Interfacial Neutralization Reaction.
Summary
A spontaneous emulsification strategy driven by interfacial neutralization (oleic acid–ammonia) enables one-step formation of O/W/O multiple emulsions. Reaction products act as in situ emulsifiers, reducing both energy demand and surfactant load, with implications for cleaner cosmetic manufacturing.
Key Findings
- Introduced an interfacial acid-base neutralization (oleic acid–ammonia) to drive spontaneous one-step multiple emulsification.
- Reaction products stabilize both O/W and W/O interfaces, yielding O/W/O multiple emulsions.
- Energy consumption and emulsifier dosage are significantly reduced versus conventional methods.
Clinical Implications
For dermatologic and cosmetic products, lower surfactant loads may reduce irritation potential and environmental residue while enabling stable multi-compartment delivery of actives.
Why It Matters
This method addresses key bottlenecks—energy intensity and surfactant burden—in multiple emulsion fabrication, a core architecture for controlled delivery in cosmetics.
Limitations
- Real-world formulation performance with diverse cosmetic actives is not reported.
- Long-term stability, toxicology, and regulatory considerations require further study.
Future Directions
Evaluate scalability, compatibility with common cosmetic actives, shelf-life stability, and safety profiles; explore tunability of internal phase loading and release kinetics.
Study Information
- Study Type
- Basic/Mechanistic research
- Research Domain
- Treatment
- Evidence Level
- V - Experimental laboratory study without clinical subjects
- Study Design
- OTHER