Abstract: The present invention relates to a synthetic, branched chain, oil soluble, fatty acid esters which, when preferably partially neutralized in situ, is revealed as a new water-in-oil emulsifier. Formulations are presented which demonstrate a method for using the disclosed emulsifier to prepare stable water-in-oil emulsions of varying polarity and viscosity for use in a variety of dermatological applications, and/or wherever emulsions according to the present invention may be used.

Abstract: This invention introduces a series of esters to be used as emollients in cosmetic formulations. These are C.sub.12 -C.sub.15 blended alcohol esters, C.sub.16, C.sub.18, C.sub.20 and C.sub.20 alcohol esters of fumaric and maleic acids.When used "neat" or in formulations they are unusually safe by standard cosmetic tests. A unique and ideal physical property of the C.sub.12 -C.sub.15 blend alcohol ester of fumaric acid is that it is a solid melting at body temperature.These esters, with their safety and physical properties, introduce the cosmetic chemist to new ideal cosmetic emollients for use in any cosmetic formulation.