An emulsifier is a surface-active agent that facilitates the mixing of
two or more liquid substances that would separate into its component
parts under normal conditions. Soap, for example, can act as an
emulsifier.
An emulsifier is a substance that has two ends--one oil-attracting end (hydrophobic) and one water-attracting (hydrophilic) end. An emulsifier makes it possible
for oil and water to stay mixed together. When mixed in a container with
both water and oil, the emulsifier binds the oil to one of its ends and
the water to the opposite end.
Emulsifiers can be synthetic or naturally sourced from plants.
Emulsifiers also
assist with prolonging the shelf life of a product by keeping the oil
and water components combined.
