The disclosure relates to compositions and methods of forming nanoemulsions, e.g., containing an active component, in combination with lipophilic components such as oils, hydrophilic components such as water, and one or more surfactants capable of causing a temperature-dependent phase inversion, such as a nonionic polyethoxylated surfactant. Nanoemulsions containing the active component can be produced having average oil droplet sizes of less than 100 nm, 50 nm, or 25 nm without the need for high energy emulsion forming methods (such as microfluidization) by combining the surfactant and the oil in specified weight ratios (e.g., at least 3:1) prior to forming the nanoemulsion.