Polysorbate 20 is a type of emulsifier commonly used in personal care products, food, and pharmaceuticals. It’s a non-ionic surfactant made by esterifying sorbitol (a sugar alcohol) with fatty acids, and the “20” in its name refers to the average number of ethylene oxide units that are added to the sorbitol molecule during production.
Cosmetics and Personal Care Products:
It helps mix oil and water-based ingredients in formulations, which is crucial in products like creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and cleansers.
It is often used to stabilize fragrances and essential oils in cosmetic products since it helps disperse them evenly in formulations.
It helps mix oil and water-based ingredients in formulations, which is crucial in products like creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and cleansers.
It is often used to stabilize fragrances and essential oils in cosmetic products since it helps disperse them evenly in formulations.
Pharmaceuticals:
Used to improve the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs in oral and topical formulations.
Acts as an emulsifier in injectable medications or eye drops to ensure ingredients stay evenly mixed.
Used to improve the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs in oral and topical formulations.
Acts as an emulsifier in injectable medications or eye drops to ensure ingredients stay evenly mixed.
Food and Beverages:
As a food additive, Polysorbate 20 can be used to help mix water and oil in processed foods, like salad dressings, sauces, and ice cream, improving texture and stability.
It also helps in the dispersion of flavors and colors, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the product.
As a food additive, Polysorbate 20 can be used to help mix water and oil in processed foods, like salad dressings, sauces, and ice cream, improving texture and stability.
It also helps in the dispersion of flavors and colors, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the product.
Cleaning Products:
Polysorbate 20 can be used in formulations for household cleaning products to emulsify oils and dirt, making them easier to remove.
Polysorbate 20 can be used in formulations for household cleaning products to emulsify oils and dirt, making them easier to remove.
Agricultural and Veterinary Products:
Its used in some veterinary applications to help mix active ingredients in certain topical treatments or sprays.
Its used in some veterinary applications to help mix active ingredients in certain topical treatments or sprays.
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Product Information
More Information
CAS
9005-64-5
Synonyms
Polyoxyethylene(20)sorbitan monolaurate
Grade
Food Grade
Color
Amber
Physical form
Liquid
Appearance
Yellow to amber oily liquid
pH
5 - 8 of 5% solution
Boiling Point
> 100 °C / 212 °F
Density
1.1
Solubility
Miscible in water, ethanol
Molecular formula
C58H114O26
Molecular weight
1228 g/mol
Acid Value
Max 2.0 mgKOH/g
Autoship Available
Yes
Flash Point
> 150 °C / > 302 °F
Hydroxyl Value
96 - 108 mgKOH/g
Saponification Value
40 - 50 mgKOH/g
Viscosity
400 mPa.s at 25 °C
Water
Max 3.0%
pH of 5% Solution
5 - 8
Reviews
Safety and Shipping
Generally considered safe for use in personal care products
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