Emulsifiers are provided that are able to stabilize water-in-oil emulsions. The emulsifiers are homogenous and have a relatively low melting point (e.g., soft pastes, gels or liquids at room temperature), enabling their use in cold-process methods/formulations which reduce energy consumption, manufacturing costs, as well as allow the use thermolabile active ingredients. The water-in-oil emulsifiers may comprise: (a) polyglycerol fatty acid esters consisting of saturated and unsaturated fatty acid esters of polyglycerol; (b) polyhydroxystearic acid copolymers consisting of copolymers of hydroxystearic acid with saturated and unsaturated fatty acids; and (c) hydroxystearic acid. Methods and uses relating to the emulsifiers are also described, for example in cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions.