Olivem 1000

• INCI Name: Cetearyl Olivate (and) Sorbitan Olivate
• Form: Off-white flakes
• Emulsion Type: Oil-in-water (O/W)
• Melting Point: Approximately 70°C
• pH Range: 3–12
• Recommended Use Level: 3–5% as sole emulsifier in O/W emulsions; 0.5–2% as co-emulsifier
• Certifications: ECOCERT approved; suitable for COSMOS-certified formulations
• Shelf Life: 1 year
• Sizes Available: Sample size through bulk quantities

• Naturally derived from olive oil — a PEG-free, non-ionic emulsifying wax for lotion and cream formulations
• Self-thickening properties reduce or eliminate the need for additional thickeners in many formulas
• Compatible with a wide pH range (3–12), making it suitable for use alongside acids, aloe vera, and low-pH actives
• ECOCERT approved and suitable for use in COSMOS-certified natural and organic products
• Produces a liquid crystal emulsion structure reported to closely mimic the skin's own lipid barrier
• Hypoallergenic and clinically tested — considered suitable for sensitive skin formulations
• Works as both a sole emulsifier and a co-emulsifier depending on formula requirements

• Olivem 1000 emulsifier for lotions: Use at 3–5% as the sole emulsifier in lightweight to mid-weight oil-in-water lotions
• Body creams and butters: Increase usage rate or pair with a co-emulsifier for richer, heavier formulations
• Facial moisturizers and serums: Ideal for clean-label facial products where skin compatibility and a non-greasy finish are priorities
• Hair masks and conditioning creams: Use in oil-in-water hair care emulsions where hydration and manageability are key performance goals
• Eye contour creams and after-sun care: A gentle, hypoallergenic option suited to products formulated for delicate or reactive skin
• Natural and organic certified product lines: Fully compatible with ECOCERT and COSMOS formulation standards

Measure Olivem 1000 by weight. Add it to the oil phase of your formula and heat to approximately 70°C until fully melted. Heat the water phase separately to the same temperature. Once both phases are at temperature, slowly pour the oil phase into the water phase while mixing — a hand blender or homogenizer will help achieve a stable, uniform emulsion. Continue mixing as the formula cools. For improved stability, consider adding a water-phase thickener such as xanthan gum at around 0.2%, or a co-emulsifier such as glyceryl stearate at 1–2%. Fatty alcohols like cetyl or cetearyl alcohol can also be added to the oil phase to build additional viscosity if needed. Always check and adjust pH after cooling, and test finished formulas for stability and performance before scaling.

Not all emulsifiers are created equal, and Olivem 1000 has distinguished itself in professional formulation circles for reasons that go beyond basic functionality. As an emulsifying wax for lotion making, it produces what is known as a liquid crystal emulsion — a structure that is reported to closely resemble the natural lipid arrangement found in healthy skin. This is believed to support the skin's moisture barrier rather than disrupting it, which is a meaningful consideration when formulating products intended for daily use or sensitive skin applications. Its self-thickening behavior simplifies the formulation process, and its broad pH tolerance gives formulators room to work with active ingredients — like vitamin C, AHAs, and aloe — that lower-pH-sensitive emulsifiers simply cannot handle. For brands building natural or certified organic lines, Olivem 1000's ECOCERT approval removes a common formulation barrier without requiring compromises on texture or performance.

Did You Know? Olivem 1000 is one of the first emulsifiers taught in professional organic skincare formulation programs — its approachable usage rate, wide pH tolerance, and forgiving behavior make it a strong starting point for formulators new to emulsion making, while its performance profile keeps experienced formulators returning to it for finished product development.

One of the more technically significant properties of the Olivem 1000 emulsifier is its ability to form liquid crystal structures within an emulsion. Rather than simply binding oil and water into a basic mixture, Olivem 1000 organizes those phases into a layered arrangement that closely mirrors the structure of the stratum corneum — the outermost layer of the skin. This structural similarity is believed to support enhanced moisture retention and improved delivery of active ingredients, because the skin recognizes and accepts the emulsion's lipid organization more readily than it would a conventionally structured product. For formulators, this means the emulsifying wax for lotion you choose isn't just a functional binder — with Olivem 1000, it is an active contributor to the finished product's skin compatibility.

Clinical testing conducted by Hallstar — the manufacturer of Olivem 1000 — has shown that the ingredient is microbiome-friendly, meaning it is reported to preserve the skin's natural cutaneous microbiota composition and biodiversity rather than disrupting it. This is a meaningful distinction for brands developing products positioned around skin health, barrier support, or microbiome-conscious formulation — a growing category in both prestige and naturals markets. For formulators building product lines where ingredient claims need to hold up to scrutiny, this level of clinical backing is a practical asset.

A useful formulation boundary to know when working with Olivem 1000 as your emulsifying wax for lotion and cream development: the maximum recommended oil phase, including the emulsifier itself, is approximately 25% of the total formula. Exceeding this threshold can compromise emulsion stability regardless of mixing technique. For richer formulations that require a higher oil content, incorporating a co-emulsifier such as glyceryl stearate at 1–2% alongside Olivem 1000 is a reliable way to extend stability while staying within the ingredient's performance range.

Olivem 1000 is available in a range of sizes — from sample quantities for formula development through to bulk orders for commercial production. Whether you're refining a new product concept or scaling an existing line, Wholesale Supplies Plus provides the consistent ingredient quality, competitive pricing, and reliable fulfillment your business depends on. Add Olivem 1000 to your formulation toolkit today and build emulsions that perform as well as they're positioned.

What is Olivem 1000 and how do I use it? Olivem 1000 is a naturally derived, olive oil-based emulsifier used to create stable oil-in-water emulsions in skin care and hair care products. Its INCI name is Cetearyl Olivate (and) Sorbitan Olivate. To use it, add Olivem 1000 to your oil phase and heat both the oil and water phases separately to approximately 70°C. Once both phases are at temperature, slowly combine them while mixing — ideally with a hand blender or homogenizer — and continue mixing as the formula cools. It can be used as a sole emulsifier at 3–5%, or as a co-emulsifier at 0.5–2% alongside another primary emulsifier. A water-phase thickener is recommended to support emulsion stability, particularly in formulas with a higher water content.

How much Olivem 1000 do I use in a lotion or cream? The recommended usage rate for Olivem 1000 as a sole emulsifier in oil-in-water emulsions is 3–5% of total formula weight. For lighter products like serums and milks, the lower end of that range is typically sufficient. For mid-weight lotions and creams, 4–5% is common. As a co-emulsifier used alongside another primary emulsifier, 0.5–2% is the typical range. Keep in mind that Olivem 1000 also has self-thickening properties, so the final viscosity of your formula will be influenced by your usage rate, your oil-to-water ratio, and the presence of any additional thickeners or fatty alcohols.

What is the difference between Olivem 1000 and emulsifying wax? Both Olivem 1000 and conventional emulsifying wax (such as Emulsifying Wax NF) are used to bind oil and water phases together in lotion and cream formulas, but they differ significantly in their composition, origin, and formulation behavior. Emulsifying Wax NF is a synthetic, PEG-containing blend that is straightforward to use and very stable across a wide range of formulas — making it a reliable, predictable choice for many applications. Olivem 1000, by contrast, is naturally derived from olive oil, PEG-free, and ECOCERT approved — qualities that matter for natural and certified organic product lines. It also produces a liquid crystal emulsion structure that is reported to be more compatible with the skin's natural lipid barrier. The trade-off is that Olivem 1000 requires more attention during formulation — proper heating, adequate mixing, and thickener support are important for achieving a stable result. For formulators building clean-label or certified organic products, Olivem 1000 is generally the preferred emulsifying wax for lotion and cream development.

Can Olivem 1000 be used in hair care products? Yes. Olivem 1000 works well in oil-in-water hair care emulsions, including conditioning creams, hair masks, and detangling treatments. Its skin-compatible, olive-derived profile translates well to scalp and hair formulations, and its ability to work across a wide pH range gives formulators flexibility when incorporating conditioning actives. As with skin care applications, a co-emulsifier or water-phase thickener is recommended to support emulsion stability in hair care formulas.