Polysorbate 20
Polysorbate 20 is a non-ionic surfactant produced from ethoxylated sorbitan esters, with lauric acid as the principal associated fatty acid. It is commonly described as polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate.
As a highly hydrophilic surfactant, Polysorbate 20 is primarily used as a solubiliser, oil-in-water emulsifier, co-emulsifier, wetting agent and dispersing aid. It is particularly effective at incorporating fragrances, essential oils and other oil-soluble ingredients into aqueous formulations.
Product Information
Chemical family: Polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester
Chemical name: Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monolaurate
Common name: Polysorbate 20 / PS20 / Tween 20 type
INCI name: Polysorbate 20
Type: Non-ionic solubiliser / O/W emulsifier / wetting agent
Appearance: Clear to pale-yellow or amber viscous liquid, depending on grade
HLB: Approximately 16.7
Solubility: Soluble or readily dispersible in water, depending on grade and formulation conditions
Packaging: Drums / IBC / Bulk
Main functions
Solubilisation
Helps incorporate fragrances, essential oils and other oil-soluble ingredients into water-based systems
Oil-in-water emulsification
Supports the formation and stabilisation of O/W emulsions
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 and other poorly water-soluble ingredients throughout formulated systems
Cleansing
Contributes mild, non-ionic surface activity in selected cleansing formulations
Typical Uses by Industry
Personal Care & Cosmetics
Widely used as a solubiliser for fragrances, essential oils and oil-soluble ingredients in water-based formulations
Used in facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, conditioners, toners, sprays and micellar formulations
Functions as an emulsifier and co-emulsifier in creams, lotions and other oil-in-water emulsions
Helps improve ingredient distribution, formulation clarity and product stability
Detergents & Cleaning
Used as a non-ionic solubiliser, emulsifier and wetting agent in cleaning formulations
Helps incorporate fragrances and oily ingredients into water-based products
Supports the emulsification and dispersion of oily soils
Can be used alongside other compatible surfactants to improve formulation performance
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
Supports even wetting and application of treatment formulations
Industrial & Technical
Suitable for aqueous emulsions, dispersions and speciality surface-active formulations
Used where high-HLB emulsification, solubilisation and water compatibility are required
Assists with the incorporation of oils, fragrances and hydrophobic additives into water-containing systems