The influence of the water phase of an asphalt emulsion on cement hydration is investigated. In addition, the effect of possible components in the water phase is studied and results are compared with those of the water phase. Results indicate that it is the addition of cationic emulsifier lignin-amine that retards cement hydration, prolongs its induction period and reduces maximum hydration heat. However, non-emulsifier alkylphenol polyoxyethylene and hydrochloric acid only reduce maximum heat. No significant differences exist in terms of calcium hydroxide content and non-evaporable water content between the plain cement paste and cement paste with the aforementioned chemical components. Zeta potential results show that the adsorption of lignin-amine on the cement grains is quite different from that of superplasticiser. Although cement hydration and calcium hydroxide crystal growth are retarded with the addition of lignin-amine, calcium hydroxide crystals are fully developed and thus show a strengthened diffraction peak.