Abstract: The invention relates to a water/oil mixed emulsifier having a content of C-10 to C-28 fatty alcohols, as well as the use thereof in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. The emulsifier containsa) 6 to 13 wt. % phytosterols;b) 5 to 23 wt. % C-20 to C-24 2-alkyl alcohols; andc) a mixture of C-10 to C-28 n-fatty alcohols with the following composition:C-10: 0.0 to 1.0 wt. %C-12: 1.0 to 3.0 wt. %C-14: 12.0 to 16.0 wt. %C-16: 16.0 to 21.0 wt. %C-18: 11.0 to 14.5 wt. %C-20: 6.0 to 10.0 wt. %C-22: 7.0 to 11.0 wt. %C-24: 2.5 to 5.0 wt. %C-26: 0.5 to 2.5 wt. %C-28: 0.5 to 1.1 wt.