HLB Value and Calculation

The HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance) of a surfactant can be a useful indicator of the equilibrium between hydrophilic and lipophilic groups. The higher the HLB value, the more hydrophilic the surfactant; and the lower the HLB value, the less lipophilic. The HLB value of non-ionic surfactants can range between 0 and 20, and the HLB value of ionics is typically between 1 and 40.

Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance

Calculation of HLB

The HLB value can be calculated with empirical equations or by considering the hydrophilic and lipophilic group in the surfactant molecule.

For example:

Griffin's Method (for non-ionic surfactants):

Davies' Method:

Uses group contributions of hydrophilic and lipophilic groups to calculate the HLB value.

HLB Values of Some Surfactants

Table 1. HLB values of some surfactants

Surfactant Name	HLB Value	Applications
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20)	16.7	O/W emulsifier, solubilizer, cleanser
Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80)	15.0	O/W emulsifier, solubilizer, stabilizer
Sorbitan Monostearate (Span 60)	4.7	W/O emulsifier, thickener
Sorbitan Monooleate (Span 80)	4.3	W/O emulsifier, stabilizer
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) 4000	14	Solubilizer, emulsifier in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics
Cetearyl Alcohol	15-16	O/W emulsifier, stabilizer in lotions and creams
Lecithin	7-10	O/W emulsifier, stabilizer in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)	40	High foaming, O/W emulsifier, detergent
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)	40	Similar to SLS, used in shampoos and cleansers
Sodium Stearate	2.0	Used in soap production and emulsifier in oil-based systems
Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB)	10-12	Cationic emulsifier, antibacterial agent
Stearalkonium Chloride	7-10	Used in hair conditioners and skincare products
Cocamidopropyl Betaine	10-12	Mild cleansing agent, foaming agent in shampoos and body washes
Lauryl Betaine	8-12	Used in mild cleansing formulations and shampoos
Glyceryl Monostearate	3.8	W/O emulsifier, stabilizer in food and cosmetics
Glyceryl Stearate	5.8	W/O emulsifier, emulsifying agent in creams and lotions
Cetyl Alcohol	15	O/W emulsifier, thickener, emollient in cosmetics
Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS)	40	High foaming, detergent surfactant, emulsifier
Methyl Gluceth-20	13.0	Moisturizer, mild surfactant in cosmetics

Notes:

O/W Emulsifiers: HLB of over 8, used to emulsify oil-in-water solutions.
W/O Emulsifiers: HLB less than 6, used for the emulsification of water-in-oil solutions.
Solubilizers and Cleansers: Higher HLB surfactants are most often employed as solubilizers and cleanser formulations.

This HLB table will help you choose the right surfactant depending on the needs of your product (emulsification, cleaning, foaming, etc.). For more information or a particular surfactant question, feel free to contact us!