Polysorbate 80
Polysorbate 80 is a non-ionic surfactant produced from ethoxylated sorbitan esters, with oleic acid as the principal associated fatty acid. It is commonly described as polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate.
As a hydrophilic surfactant, Polysorbate 80 is primarily used as an oil-in-water emulsifier, solubiliser, co-emulsifier, wetting agent and dispersing aid. Its balance of water affinity and compatibility with oils makes it suitable for incorporating oils, flavours, fragrances and other hydrophobic ingredients into aqueous formulations.
Product Information
Chemical family: Polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester
Chemical name: Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monooleate
Common name: Polysorbate 80 / PS80 / Tween 80 type
INCI name: Polysorbate 80
Food additive: E433 / INS 433, where supplied as a compliant food-grade product
Type: Non-ionic O/W emulsifier / solubiliser / wetting agent
Appearance: Yellow to amber viscous liquid, depending on grade
HLB: Approximately 15.0
Solubility: Soluble or readily dispersible in water, depending on grade and formulation conditions
Packaging: Drums / IBC / Bulk
Main functions
Oil-in-water emulsification
Supports the formation and stabilisation of O/W emulsions
Solubilisation
Helps incorporate oils, fragrances, flavours and other poorly water-soluble ingredients into aqueous systems
Co-emulsification
Can be combined with lower-HLB emulsifiers to achieve the required emulsifier balance
Wetting
Improves the spreading and contact of aqueous formulations on hydrophobic surfaces
Dispersion
Helps distribute oils, pigments and other poorly water-soluble ingredients throughout formulated systems
Formulation stabilisation
Helps maintain uniformity and reduce separation in emulsions and dispersions
Typical Uses by Industry
Personal Care & Cosmetics
Used as a non-ionic emulsifier and co-emulsifier in creams, lotions and other oil-in-water formulations
Helps solubilise fragrances, essential oils and other oil-soluble ingredients in water-based products
Used in skincare, haircare, cleansing, bath and body formulations
Supports ingredient distribution, formulation consistency and emulsion stability
Detergents & Cleaning
Used as a non-ionic emulsifier, solubiliser and wetting agent in selected cleaning formulations
Helps emulsify and disperse oily soils and hydrophobic residues
Assists with the incorporation of fragrances and oily ingredients into water-based products
Can be used alongside other compatible surfactants to support detergency and formulation stability
Textiles
Used as an emulsifier, wetting agent and dispersing aid in selected textile-processing formulations
Helps disperse oils, waxes and other hydrophobic processing ingredients in aqueous systems
Can support even wetting and application of treatment formulations
Metalworking & Lubricants
Used as an emulsifier and co-emulsifier in selected water-miscible metalworking fluids and technical lubricant formulations
Helps disperse oils and hydrophobic additives in water-containing systems
Can support emulsion stability and uniform application
Industrial & Technical
Suitable for aqueous emulsions, dispersions and speciality surface-active formulations
Used where hydrophilic non-ionic emulsification, solubilisation and wetting performance are required