Which emulsifiers are listed for hydrophilic petrolatum formulations?

• A. Cholesterol and Stearyl Alcohol
• B. Cetyl Alcohol and Glycerin
• C. Stearic Acid and Sorbitan Monostearate
• D. Lanolin and Beeswax

Answer: (A)

When you have a hydrophilic petrolatum formulation, you’re working with a petrolatum base that also contains water. To keep that water dispersed in the oil and prevent separation, you need lipophilic emulsifiers that stabilize the interface. Cholesterol and stearyl alcohol form a waxy, lipophilic emulsifying system that effectively stabilizes water-in-oil interfaces in petrolatum, making it possible to incorporate a water phase while preserving smoothness and stability. That combination is commonly listed for hydrophilic petrolatum because of its proven ability to create a stable, washable ointment matrix. The other options rely on components that are not primarily emulsifiers for HP bases (cetyl alcohol is mainly a thickener, glycerin is a humectant), or use emulsifier systems not typically associated with hydrophilic petrolatum in standard references.