An emulsion stabilizer includes a biopolymer blend of one or more cellulose ether and one or more cross-linked, modified starch wherein one or more of the cellulose ether or the cross-linked, modified starch is hydrophobically modified and wherein the total amount of cellulose ethers in the biopolymer blend is not greater than 50 wt %. The invention further relates to emulsion compositions comprising the emulsion stabilizer, and particularly oil-in-water emulsions. In one embodiment the emulsions are suitable for use in personal care formulations.
