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Polysorbate 20
HDPE Drums

Polysorbate 20

ELSURFACTM – PSB20 G1

Polysorbate 20 a non-ionic surfactant, is formed through a process of ethoxylation, involving the repetition of 20 units of polyethylene glycol. Polysorbate 20 is used to improve the texture, feel, and the scent of skincare and cosmetic products. It is also used to stabilize emulsions and suspensions in pharmaceutical products.

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CAS Number

9005-64-5

HS Code

34.02.13.00 / 34.02.13.00

Molecular Formula

C₆₄H₁₂₄O₂₆ (Polysorbate 80)

INCI Name

Polysorbate 20

Home/Products/Polysorbate 20

Polysorbate 20

ELSURFACTM – PSB20 G1

Polysorbate 20 a non-ionic surfactant, is formed through a process of ethoxylation, involving the repetition of 20 units of polyethylene glycol. Polysorbate 20 is used to improve the texture, feel, and the scent of skincare and cosmetic products. It is also used to stabilize

CAS Number

9005-64-5

INCI Name

Polysorbate 20

HS Code

34.02.13.00 / 34.02.13.00

Molecular Formula

C₆₄H₁₂₄O₂₆ (Polysorbate 80)

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Polysorbate 20
HDPE Drums

Product Specification

AppearanceAmber, viscous liquid; paste (depending on grade)
OdorMild alcoholic
Molecular Weight (G/Mol)428.6
Density Or Specific Gravity1.08 g/mL at 20 °C
Viscosity300-500 cSt at 25 °C
Refractive Indexn20/D 1.473
Ph (If Aqueous Solution)6-8 (5% aqueous solution)

Physical Properties

PropertySpecification
AppearanceAmber, viscous liquid; paste (depending on grade)
OdorMild alcoholic
Molecular Weight (G/Mol)428.6
Density Or Specific Gravity1.08 g/mL at 20 °C
Viscosity300-500 cSt at 25 °C
Refractive Indexn20/D 1.473
Ph (If Aqueous Solution)6-8 (5% aqueous solution)

Thermal Properties

PropertySpecification
Boiling Point100 °C
Melting Point-25 °C
Flash Point> 300 °F

Processing Methods & Reference Formulations

A. Cosmetic cream

In cosmetic cream production, add Polysorbate 80 to the aqueous phase or pre-mix it with oils to aid emulsification and solubilization of oil-soluble ingredients. Heat both phases for uniform blending and stable emulsion formation.

Key IngredientsIndicative Dosage (% w/w)
Oils/Emollients5–20%
Polysorbate 801-10%
Emulsifiers2-6%
Humectants (e.g., glycerin)2-8%
Preservatives, Thickners, pH adjusters, Fragnances etc.

B. Hair shampoo

In hair shampoo production, add Polysorbate 80 to the aqueous phase to help solubilize essential oils or fragrances. Mix thoroughly at room temperature or mild heat to ensure clear, stable formulations.

Key IngredientsIndicative Dosage (% w/w)
Sulphur0.75%
Salicylic acid0.5–1.75%
Benzoic acid1.0–2.0 %
Sodium lauryl sulphate20%
Urea0.75%
Citric acid0.5%
Sodium EDTA0.5%
Guar gum1.5%
Polysorbate 800.5%
Distilled water60-70%

C. Soap

In soap production, add Polysorbates during the cooling phase to enhance solubilization of fragrances or oils. Stir gently to ensure uniform distribution and avoid destabilizing the emulsion or creating excess foam.

Key IngredientsIndicative Dosage (% w/w)
Soap base80-95%
Polysorbate 801-10%
Fragrance/Essential oil1-5 %
Colorant0.1-1%
Additives (e.g., glycerin, extracts)1-5%
Water

D. Makeup foundation lotion

In makeup foundation lotion production, add Polysorbates to the oil phase to help emulsify oils and disperse pigments evenly. Ensure thorough mixing before combining with the water phase to achieve a stable and smooth emulsion.

Key IngredientsIndicative Dosage (% w/w)
Stearic acid2%
Cetyl alcohol4%
Paraffin liquid20%
Dimethicone5%
Polysorbate 803.65%
Propylparaben0.02%
Propylene glycol5%
Xanthan gum0.3%
Methylparaben0.18%
Distilled water50-60%
Other additives

Dosing Guidelines

A. Dosing by Application

ProductsAuthorized dosage
Cosmetic creams/ lotions1-10%
Hair shampoo1-10%
Body washes, cleansers1-10%

About Polysorbate 20

Polysorbate 20 is a versatile emulsifier, widely used for its ability to blend oil and water-based components in various products. It plays a critical role in ensuring that formulations maintain a smooth, stable texture. This characteristic is particularly important for personal care items like creams, lotions, and serums, where consistency matters.


Beyond just blending, Polysorbate 20 acts as a solubilizer. It allows oils and essential oils to disperse in water-based formulations, preventing separation. This quality makes it an indispensable ingredient in industries that prioritize product stability and appearance.


Polysorbate 20 manufacturers place a strong emphasis on quality and purity. The compound they produce must meet rigorous safety and performance standards across the chemical industry. These manufacturers ensure that Polysorbate 20 remains effective under various temperature and pH conditions, making it reliable for a wide range of applications.


One of the standout benefits of Polysorbate 20 is its mildness. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, which is why it's often found in products designed for everyday use. This quality helps companies create skincare products that feel good on the skin while maintaining performance.


Manufacturers are also increasingly focused on eco-friendly production processes. Many have adopted greener methods to create biodegradable Polysorbate 20, meeting the growing demand for sustainable ingredients. This shift is essential as industries across the board strive to reduce their environmental footprint.


The ability to customize this emulsifier through custom chemical manufacturing ensures that it can be tailored to specific needs. Whether for personal care, pharmaceuticals, or even food, Polysorbate 20 remains a key player in product formulations.


For manufacturers, Polysorbate 20’s adaptability is one of its greatest strengths. Polysorbate 20 manufacturers are focused on producing a compound that meets the varying demands of diverse industries. Whether it’s being used in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals, the production process ensures that Polysorbate 20 delivers high purity and consistent quality. These manufacturers work within the stringent standards of the chemical industry, ensuring that every batch meets safety and performance expectations, making it ideal for sensitive applications.


A significant advantage of Polysorbate 20 is its mildness. Unlike some emulsifiers, it is gentle on the skin, which makes it particularly useful in products designed for daily use, such as facial cleansers and baby products. Even when used frequently, it does not irritate the skin, making it a reliable choice for sensitive skin formulations. Custom chemical manufacturing also allows this emulsifier to be adjusted based on specific formulations, enabling it to seamlessly blend into diverse product ranges, ensuring compatibility with other ingredients.


Polysorbate 20 also serves as a solubilizer, making it essential in dispersing oils and essential oils into water-based formulations. Its ability to reduce surface tension allows these ingredients to integrate smoothly, which is critical in creating stable, uniform products. Polysorbate 20 manufacturers ensure that the compound can handle a wide range of pH levels and temperatures, which is particularly important for products that require a long shelf life.


The move toward more eco-friendly and sustainable production processes has influenced the way Polysorbate 20 manufacturers operate. As consumers become more conscious of the environmental impact of their products, the demand for biodegradable, ethically produced ingredients has risen. Leading manufacturers are taking steps to ensure that their processes not only meet but exceed environmental standards. By offering biodegradable versions of Polysorbate 20, manufacturers contribute to the creation of products that are not only effective but also environmentally responsible.


  • Efficient Emulsifier: Ensures the stable blending of oil and water in formulations, preventing separation and maintaining the consistency of products.
  • Non-Irritating: Gentle on the skin, making it a preferred choice for sensitive skin formulations.
  • Water Solubility: Highly soluble in water, which enhances its ease of use in a wide range of aqueous-based cosmetic and personal care products.
  • Stability in Formulations: Provides long-lasting stability in products, ensuring that emulsions retain their texture and performance over time.
  • Eco-Conscious Manufacturing: Produced with sustainability in mind, minimizing environmental impact while delivering high-quality performance.

About Polysorbate 20

Polysorbate 20 is a versatile emulsifier, widely used for its ability to blend oil and water-based components in various products. It plays a critical role in ensuring that formulations maintain a smooth, stable texture. This characteristic is particularly important for personal care items like creams, lotions, and serums, where consistency matters.


Beyond just blending, Polysorbate 20 acts as a solubilizer. It allows oils and essential oils to disperse in water-based formulations, preventing separation. This quality makes it an indispensable ingredient in industries that prioritize product stability and appearance.


Polysorbate 20 manufacturers place a strong emphasis on quality and purity. The compound they produce must meet rigorous safety and performance standards across the chemical industry. These manufacturers ensure that Polysorbate 20 remains effective under various temperature and pH conditions, making it reliable for a wide range of applications.


One of the standout benefits of Polysorbate 20 is its mildness. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, which is why it's often found in products designed for everyday use. This quality helps companies create skincare products that feel good on the skin while maintaining performance.


Manufacturers are also increasingly focused on eco-friendly production processes. Many have adopted greener methods to create biodegradable Polysorbate 20, meeting the growing demand for sustainable ingredients. This shift is essential as industries across the board strive to reduce their environmental footprint.


The ability to customize this emulsifier through custom chemical manufacturing ensures that it can be tailored to specific needs. Whether for personal care, pharmaceuticals, or even food, Polysorbate 20 remains a key player in product formulations.


For manufacturers, Polysorbate 20’s adaptability is one of its greatest strengths. Polysorbate 20 manufacturers are focused on producing a compound that meets the varying demands of diverse industries. Whether it’s being used in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals, the production process ensures that Polysorbate 20 delivers high purity and consistent quality. These manufacturers work within the stringent standards of the chemical industry, ensuring that every batch meets safety and performance expectations, making it ideal for sensitive applications.


A significant advantage of Polysorbate 20 is its mildness. Unlike some emulsifiers, it is gentle on the skin, which makes it particularly useful in products designed for daily use, such as facial cleansers and baby products. Even when used frequently, it does not irritate the skin, making it a reliable choice for sensitive skin formulations. Custom chemical manufacturing also allows this emulsifier to be adjusted based on specific formulations, enabling it to seamlessly blend into diverse product ranges, ensuring compatibility with other ingredients.


Polysorbate 20 also serves as a solubilizer, making it essential in dispersing oils and essential oils into water-based formulations. Its ability to reduce surface tension allows these ingredients to integrate smoothly, which is critical in creating stable, uniform products. Polysorbate 20 manufacturers ensure that the compound can handle a wide range of pH levels and temperatures, which is particularly important for products that require a long shelf life.


The move toward more eco-friendly and sustainable production processes has influenced the way Polysorbate 20 manufacturers operate. As consumers become more conscious of the environmental impact of their products, the demand for biodegradable, ethically produced ingredients has risen. Leading manufacturers are taking steps to ensure that their processes not only meet but exceed environmental standards. By offering biodegradable versions of Polysorbate 20, manufacturers contribute to the creation of products that are not only effective but also environmentally responsible.


  • Efficient Emulsifier: Ensures the stable blending of oil and water in formulations, preventing separation and maintaining the consistency of products.
  • Non-Irritating: Gentle on the skin, making it a preferred choice for sensitive skin formulations.
  • Water Solubility: Highly soluble in water, which enhances its ease of use in a wide range of aqueous-based cosmetic and personal care products.
  • Stability in Formulations: Provides long-lasting stability in products, ensuring that emulsions retain their texture and performance over time.
  • Eco-Conscious Manufacturing: Produced with sustainability in mind, minimizing environmental impact while delivering high-quality performance.

Regulatory Compliance

RegionMax Allowed LevelNotesCertification Body
United States-No explicit legal maximum for polysorbates in cosmetics.FDA
European Union-No explicit legal maximum. Not restricted by concentration.SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety)
India-No BIS-specific limit-
Japan-No specific limit. Permitted as cosmetic ingredients as long as products meet safety and labeling requirements.MHLW – Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Canada-No explicit statutory maximum in cosmetics.-
Australia-No statutory maximum-
China-Permitted in cosmetics, must comply with national safety and labeling standards.NMPA - National Medical Products Administration
Korea, Republic of-Permitted in cosmetics, regulated for safety and labeling.MFDS - Ministry of Food and Drug Safety
ASEAN-No statutory maximum-

FAQs - Polysorbate 20

What is Polysorbate 20?
Polysorbate 20 is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier commonly used in cosmetics, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals. It helps ingredients blend together and stabilize formulations.
Is Polysorbate 20 natural?
Polysorbate 20 is a synthetic compound derived from sorbitol and lauric acid. While it is not considered a natural ingredient, it is generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetic and personal care products.
How is polysorbate 20 different from other polysorbates?
The number following polysorbate indicates the ethylene oxide units in the molecule. Polysorbate 20 specifically has 20 such units.
What is the purpose of polysorbate 20 in products?
Polysorbate serves as an emulsifier and solubilizer, helping to blend and stabilize ingredients that would otherwise separate
Is Polysorbate 20 toxic?
Polysorbate 20 is considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products and is not considered toxic when used as directed. However, like any ingredient, it should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

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