HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance)

Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) is a rating system that measures how a surfactant or emulsifier interacts with water and oil. Think of it as a scale from 0 to 20: lower values (closer to 0) indicate compounds that are more oil-loving (lipophilic), while higher values (closer to 20) show they are more water-loving (hydrophilic). This balance helps determine which surfactant to use for making stable mixtures—like creams, lotions, or cleaning products—by ensuring the right amount of oil and water mixing. Essentially, HLB guides formulators in selecting the best ingredients for specific emulsions.