Product Guide · Emulsifiers
Stop asking which grade is strongest. Start asking what stress your formula is under — then pick from three lamellar systems and two support emulsifiers.
On this page
- What “liquid crystal” actually buys you
- Full line comparison
- The three LC systems side by side
- How to choose
- Process matters more than most people expect
- Application playbooks
- Pairing with the rest of the IngreLink line
- Claims and compliance notes
- Two audiences, two shortlists
- Frequently asked questions
- Continue through the series
Our emulsifier line splits into two clean groups:
- Three aqueous-phase lamellar liquid crystal systems built on sucrose stearate — YLLCEG, YLLCE and YLTRISTAB.
- Two functional support emulsifiers — YLPG-10LAURATE (solubiliser and foam) and YLHLECITHIN (sensory and skin affinity).
The three LC systems are often compared as if one must be “the best”. They are not grades of the same thing. Each solves a different structural problem:
- YLLCE covers the widest dosage range — one raw material from fluid essence to rich cream.
- YLLCEG builds the densest lamellar structure and encapsulates actives — plus it is PEG-free.
- YLTRISTAB survives the harshest chemical stress — acidic pH, ions, inorganic content.
Pick by the problem, not by the hierarchy.
What “liquid crystal” actually buys you
A lamellar liquid crystal structure alternates lipid bilayers with water layers. The lipid bilayer locks moisture in; the water layer keeps hydration continuous. The result is closer to the skin’s own lipid organisation than a conventional emulsion:
- Moisture released gradually rather than all at once — long-lasting hydration with a light feel.
- Slower coalescence — better stability during shelf life.
- A silky interlaminar sliding structure — a distinctive skin feel that is easy to demonstrate to a marketing team.
It is also verifiable. All three LC systems show Maltese-cross birefringence under a polarising microscope — a test your own lab can repeat any time.
Full line comparison
| Code | Composition | Type | Addition | Processing | Strength | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★ YLLCEG | Sucrose Stearate + Glyceryl Stearate + Sorbitan Stearate + Butylene Glycol + Sorbitol + Aqua | Lamellar LC, PEG-free | 1.5–5% (5–20 kg) | Added directly to the aqueous phase at 70–85 °C | Dense lamellar structure with pronounced Maltese-cross birefringence; encapsulates and isolates potentially irritating actives; dual-aqueous-layer moisturisation; silky interlaminar slip | Premium creams, serums, baby care, sensitive skin, PEG-free positioning |
| ★ YLLCE | Sucrose Stearate + Glyceryl Stearate + PEG-60 Sorbitan Stearate + Propylene Glycol + Sorbitol + Aqua | Lamellar LC | 0.5–30% (5–20 kg) | Added directly to the aqueous phase at 70–85 °C | The widest dosage window in the range: one emulsifier from fluid essence to rich cream, with outstanding long-lasting moisturisation | Whole-range standardisation — essence, serum, cream, sunscreen, night cream, hand and neck emulsion |
| ★ YLTRISTAB | Sucrose Stearate + Propylene Glycol Alginate | LC composite stabiliser | 0.5–5% (20 kg) | — | Triple stability: thick viscoelastic interfacial film plus a hydrogen-bond network → stable across acidic (pH 3–6), ionic and inorganic conditions, without greasiness | Acidic brightening and blemish-care emulsions, electrolyte-rich essences, sun care |
| YLPG-10LAURATE | Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate | Solubiliser / co-emulsifier | 0.5–15% (18 kg) | Cold-process friendly | Exceptional foaming and foam stabilising; strong water-binding, particularly with hard-to-dissolve vegetable oils; excellent dispersion of ultrafine powders | Micellar water, cleansing systems, fragrance-oil solubilisation, powder-based sun care |
| YLHLECITHIN | Hydrogenated Lecithin | Sensory / affinity modifier | 0.5–5% (20–25 kg) | — | Phospholipid structure supporting stability and skin affinity; a powdery finish that softens feel and reduces tackiness | Serums and sunscreens where a dry, non-tacky finish is the goal |
★ = flagship grade
The three LC systems side by side
| YLLCE | YLLCEG | YLTRISTAB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best at | Range coverage | Structure density and encapsulation | Chemical stress tolerance |
| Addition | 0.5–30% | 1.5–5% | 0.5–5% |
| pH tolerance | Standard | Standard | Acidic pH 3–6, ionic and inorganic conditions |
| PEG-free | No | Yes | Yes |
| Maltese-cross birefringence | Present | Pronounced | — |
| Typical outcome | One emulsifier, many SKUs | Sensitive-skin premium texture | Stable acidic or high-electrolyte formula |
How to choose
| If your brief is… | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One emulsifier for an entire product family | YLLCE | A 0.5–30% window covers fluid essence through rich cream on a single raw material |
| Acidic system (AHA, vitamin C derivatives, blemish care) | YLTRISTAB | Built for pH 3–6 alongside ionic and inorganic stress |
| Electrolyte-rich essence (high salt or high humectant load) | YLTRISTAB | Composite interfacial film resists electrolyte-driven destabilisation |
| PEG-free or “green” positioning | YLLCEG or YLTRISTAB | Both are PEG-free systems |
| Encapsulating an active, or reducing its sting | YLLCEG | Lamellar structure isolates the material and releases it gradually |
| Verifiable structure for the marketing team | YLLCEG | Pronounced Maltese-cross birefringence your lab can reproduce |
| Micellar water or cleansing water | YLPG-10LAURATE | Solubilising power with foam and mildness |
| Sun care that feels less sticky | YLHLECITHIN, with YLLCE or YLTRISTAB | Powdery finish; combine with YLPG-10LAURATE for ultrafine powder dispersion |
| A long-lasting hydration claim | YLLCE or YLLCEG | Both deliver sustained release from the lamellar water layers |
Process matters more than most people expect
YLLCE and YLLCEG are aqueous-phase emulsifiers. Add them directly to the water phase at 70–85 °C, then combine with the oil phase as normal. Adding them to the oil phase is the single most common reason a first trial underperforms.
Practical checks before your trial:
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Add the LC emulsifier to the water phase, 70–85 °C | Oil-phase addition breaks the lamellar formation |
| Verify droplet size distribution early | Uniform particle size is the leading indicator of long-term stability |
| Look at your emulsion under a polarising microscope | Confirms the lamellar structure is actually forming in your system |
| In acidic or high-electrolyte formulas, stress-test at pH 3–6 and after three freeze–thaw cycles | This is where conventional emulsifiers fail and YLTRISTAB holds |
Application playbooks
| Product type | Starting system | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fluid essence | YLLCE 0.5–1.5% | Very low loading still gives full stability |
| Facial serum | YLLCEG 2–4% | Adds encapsulation and premium slip |
| Rich night cream | YLLCE 3–6% | Higher end of the window for body and cushion |
| Acidic brightening cream | YLTRISTAB 1–3% | Holds pH 3–6 without greasiness |
| Electrolyte essence | YLTRISTAB 1–3% | Resists ionic stress |
| Daily SPF lotion | YLTRISTAB 1–3% + YLHLECITHIN 0.5–2% | Stability plus a drier finish |
| Micellar cleansing water | YLPG-10LAURATE 2–8% | Solubilises makeup and fragrance oil |
| Baby cream | YLLCEG 2–4% | PEG-free positioning, gentle structure |
Use levels above are development starting points, not formulation instructions. Always confirm with stability testing.
Pairing with the rest of the IngreLink line
| Need | Pair with |
|---|---|
| The emollient phase for this emulsion | Synthetic Esters — YLININ, YLNGD or YLPTO |
| An acidic brightening or blemish-care actives system | Brightening Actives — YL3-O-EA, YLSAP |
| Calming a potentially reactive formula | Anti-Irritation Soothing — YLBMS at 0.2–0.5% |
| Preserving a lamellar system | Preservative Alternatives — YLEHG + YLPDO |
Claims and compliance notes
- Long-lasting moisturisation claims should be substantiated on the finished formula (corneometry or TEWL), not carried over from the raw material’s structural story.
- “Maltese cross” / “lamellar structure” is a technical claim you can evidence in-house — it is one of the safest and most persuasive proof points to show a marketing team.
- Encapsulation language should be used carefully: describe it as gradual release supported by the lamellar structure, not as a delivery technology with dermal-penetration implications.
- Documentation: batch COA, TDS, SDS/MSDS, birefringence test reports,documentation where applicable, retained samples and batch traceability. The official batch COA governs.
Two audiences, two shortlists
If you are a formulator: request YLLCE (range workhorse) and YLTRISTAB (problem solver) together — between them they cover most briefs. Add YLLCEG when you need a PEG-free or sensitive-skin premium texture.
If you are a distributor: lead with YLLCE. The 0.5–30% story is easy to sell — one raw material covering a customer’s entire cream-to-essence range simplifies their purchasing and their inventory. Keep YLHLECITHIN in the bag as the quick sensory fix for sticky sunscreen complaints.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between YLLCE and YLLCEG? Both are aqueous-phase lamellar LC emulsifiers based on sucrose stearate and glyceryl stearate. YLLCE uses PEG-60 sorbitan stearate and offers an exceptionally wide addition window (0.5–30%), so one grade spans essence to cream. YLLCEG uses sorbitan stearate, is PEG-free, and forms a denser lamellar structure with pronounced Maltese-cross birefringence — better for encapsulation, sensitive skin and PEG-free briefs.
Can I use one emulsifier across my whole range? Usually yes with YLLCE, thanks to its 0.5–30% range. Start at the low end for essences and the middle of the range for creams.
Which emulsifier works in low-pH formulas? YLTRISTAB — developed for acidic (pH 3–6), ionic and inorganic conditions.
Why does my trial feel greasy? Check that you added the LC emulsifier to the water phase at 70–85 °C. For a drier finish, add YLHLECITHIN at 0.5–2%.
Is YLLCEG suitable for baby care? It is commonly selected for baby and sensitive-skin formulas because of its PEG-free composition and gentle lamellar structure. Confirm your own tolerance testing.
What are the pack sizes and lead times? YLLCE and YLLCEG ship in 5–20 kg units, YLTRISTAB in 20 kg, YLPG-10LAURATE in 18 kg and YLHLECITHIN in 20–25 kg. Standard lead time is 7–30 days with flexible MOQ.
Continue through the series
Brightening Actives → · Synthetic Esters → · Surfactants → · Preservative Alternatives → · Anti-Irritation Soothing →
Ready to shortlist? Tell us your formula pH, oil phase level, target texture and process temperature, and our team will return a recommended emulsifier with a starting addition level and samples — usually within one working day. Request samples and documentation · fiona@ingrelink.com · +86 186 8017 1796
Guangzhou IngreLink New Material Co., Ltd. — Sincerity · Agility · Win-Win. Data referenced are from internal testing; the official batch COA and test report govern. Cosmetic ingredients only — not for drug or medical use. Finished-product claims, registration and labelling are the responsibility of the brand.
www.ingrelink.com
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