Emulsions: measure, understand and optimize
emulsions are complex liquid systems composed of two immiscible phases (oil/water, water/oil) stabilized by emulsifying agents. They are widely used in the sectors:
- Cosmetic : creams, lotions, serums, liquid makeup.
- Pharmaceutical : oral suspensions, topical creams, injectable emulsions.
- Food : sauces, margarines, fortified drinks.
- Chemistry & Materials : paints, inks, lubricants and functional products.
The challenges of emulsions
industrial emulsions present particular challenges: instability, phase separation, viscosity variation, sensoriality and interaction with other ingredients. Rheonis supports manufacturers to measure, analyze and optimize emulsions at all stages of formulation and production.
- Anticipate and quantify instability, separation or coalescence of phases.
- Optimize formulations and processes to achieve the desired texture, viscosity and stability.
- Solve problems sustainably related to excessive viscosity, synergy or incompatibility of ingredients.
- Accelerating innovation by testing new formulations and emulsifiers.
- Helping teams progress by transferring methods of analysis and control of emulsions.
The variety of emulsions
Rheonis is working on a wide variety of emulsions :
- Cosmetics : rich creams, light lotions, emulsified gels, fluid makeup.
- Pharmaceuticals : oil/water suspensions, topical creams, injectable emulsions.
- Agri-food : emulsified sauces, margarines, fortified dairy products.
- Chemistry and materials : paints, inks, lubricants, polymer dispersions.
This diversity implies the mastery of physicochemical properties, viscosity, stability and sensoriality, as well as methods of mixing, homogenization and packaging.
Our services for emulsions
Rheological, behavioral, structural characterization
- Behavior viscous and viscoelastic at different shear regimes
- Study of internal structure of the emulsion (fragility, recovery, thixotropy)
- Evolution of texture properties in function of time, temperature or stress
Objective: To translate stability and handling into measured data.
Processability, stability and aging analysis
- Highlighting of stabilization/destabilization mechanisms (fusion, coalescence, phase migration)
- Accelerated or long-term study of storage behavior
- Testing of resistance to temperature, agitation, dilution
Objective: to predict and make reliable the lifespan and perceived quality.
Study of formulation/process interactions
- Influence of structural agents, emulsifiers, fillers, solvents
- Effect of the processes: mixing speed, pumping, resting, conditioning
- Analysis of production defects : separation, foaming, sticking, instability on application
Objective: to optimize the formulation in relation to industrial constraints.
Support for developments and diagnostics
- Comparative study of formulations or emulsifiers
- Analysis of the causes of field defects (complaints, non-conformities)
- Assistance with scale-up, industrial transfer or change of raw materials
Objective: make your innovations more reliable and control the transition from laboratory to production.
Key measures for emulsions
Rheonis offers multi-physical measurements adapted to emulsions :
- Rheological measurement : viscosity, viscoelastic behavior, flow under shear.
- Stability measurement and phase changes : phase separation, coalescence, crystallization of components.
- Texture measurement : smoothness, firmness, cohesion and sensory sensation.
- Physicochemical measurement : droplet size, distribution, molecular interactions.
- Tribological measurement : slipperiness, friction and touch sensation (cosmetics, food)
Rheonis' added value beyond measurement
- Multi-physical and integrated approach to link formulation, process and final performance.
- Tailor-made methods adapted to each type of emulsion and each industrial process.
- Strategic support to secure your developments and accelerate innovation.
- Complex problem solving : unstable viscosity, phase separation, ingredient incompatibilities.
- Skills transfer : training and workshops to strengthen team expertise.
Applications by sector
- Cosmetics : creams, lotions, emulsified gels, serums.
- Pharmaceutical : suspensions, topical creams, injectable emulsions.
- Food : sauces, margarines, dairy products and fortified drinks.
- Chemistry & Materials : paints, inks, lubricants and polymer dispersions.
Would you like to discuss your issues directly with our specialists? Do not hesitate to leave us a message, we will respond within 48 hours maximum.
Last Updated on August 28, 2025 by Vincent Billot