Polysorbate 80
Product Information
CAS Number
9005-65-6
Additive Number
433
Safety Data Sheets Download
Other Names
Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monooleate
Polysorbate 81
CRILLET 4-LQ-(SG)
Sorbitan Monooleate, Polyoxyethylene Derivatives
Sorbitan, mono-9-octadecenoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivatives, (Z)-
TWEEN 80-LQ-(SG)
POE (20) Sorbitan monooleate
Polyethylene Glycol, Sorbitan Monooleate
Ethoxylated sorbitan monooleate 20 EO
Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monooleate
Polysorbate 80
Sobre Polysorbate 80
Polysorbate 80, also known as polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate, is a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier with the approximate formula C₆₄H₁₂₄O₂₆. Polysorbate 80 is supplied as a clear, amber to yellow, viscous liquid with a faint characteristic odour, and it dissolves readily in water and ethanol. With a hydrophile lipophile balance (HLB) of about 15, it is well suited to forming oil in water emulsions and solubilising oils into water. It carries food additive number 433 and is available in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and technical grades, used across food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, personal care and industrial formulations.
Polysorbate 80 Uses
Food Manufacturing
As food additive 433, polysorbate 80 is used as an emulsifier and stabiliser in ice cream and frozen desserts, where it gives a smoother texture and slows melting. It also helps disperse fats and oils in sauces, dressings, whipped toppings, confectionery coatings and flavour emulsions, and improves the dispersion of vitamins and colours in beverages.
Pharmaceutical Formulations
Pharmaceutical grades serve as a solubiliser, wetting agent and emulsifier in oral liquids, topical creams and parenteral products. Polysorbate 80 helps poorly water soluble active ingredients stay dispersed, and in biologic formulations it is used to stabilise proteins and prevent them from aggregating or adsorbing to container surfaces.
Personal Care and Cosmetics
In cosmetics, polysorbate 80 solubilises fragrance and essential oils into clear water based products such as toners, mists and mouthwashes. It also acts as an emulsifier in creams and lotions, a mild cleansing aid in baby shampoos and facial cleansers, and a dispersing agent for pigments and actives.
Industrial and Agricultural Applications
Technical grades are used as emulsifiers and wetting agents in agrochemical formulations, spray adjuvants, metalworking fluids and cleaning products. Polysorbate 80 also appears in laboratory and biotechnology work as a detergent in assays and cell culture processes, and as a dispersant for pigments in paints and inks.
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