Polysorbates
Polysorbates are a class of nonionic surfactants derived from sorbitol and fatty acids, commonly used as emulsifiers, solubilizers, and dispersing agents in a wide range of industries. They improve the mixing of oil and water phases, stabilize emulsions, and enhance the texture and consistency of formulations. Polysorbates are widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food products, and industrial applications due to their biocompatibility, low toxicity, and effectiveness at low concentrations.
Polysorbates
Primary Uses
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Used as emulsifiers and solubilizing agents in oral, topical, and injectable drug formulations.
- Helps to stabilize suspensions and emulsions.
- Improves bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs.
- Food Industry
- Acts as emulsifiers in baked goods, ice creams, salad dressings, and beverages.
- Enhances texture, shelf life, and consistency of food products.
- Used in fat-based spreads and confectionery to improve mixing and prevent separation.
- Cosmetics and Personal Care
- Emulsifies oils and water in creams, lotions, shampoos, and conditioners.
- Enhances product texture, stability, and skin feel.
- Helps disperse fragrances and active ingredients evenly.
- Industrial Applications
- Used in textile processing, detergents, and paints as emulsifiers and dispersants.
- Facilitates the formulation of emulsions and suspensions in various manufacturing processes.
Secondary Uses
- Agriculture
- Used as adjuvants in pesticide formulations to improve spreading and adhesion.
- Biomedical Research
- Employed as stabilizers in vaccine formulations and cell culture media.
- Lubricants and Coatings
- Improves miscibility and stability in lubricant and coating formulations.
- Improves miscibility and stability in lubricant and coating formulations.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters (varies by fatty acid chain)
- Common/Trade Name: Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 40, Polysorbate 60, Polysorbate 80 (most common types)
- CAS Number: Varies (e.g., Polysorbate 80: 9005-65-6)
- HS Code: 3402.19.00 (Surface-active agents)
- Synonyms: Tween (common trade name), Polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Viscous liquid or semi-solid
- Color: Pale yellow to amber
- Odor: Mild, characteristic odor
- pH: Typically 6.0–8.0 in aqueous solution
- Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol; forms stable emulsions
- HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance): Range from 8.6 to 16.7 depending on type (higher HLB = more hydrophilic)
- Density: Approx. 1.05 g/cm³
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Generally not classified as hazardous
- Toxicity: Low toxicity; considered safe for food and cosmetic use within regulatory limits
- Irritation Potential: Mild skin and eye irritant at high concentrations
- Flammability: Non-flammable
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat
- Container Type: Supplied in plastic drums, bottles, or bulk containers
- Shelf Life: Typically 2–3 years if stored properly
- Handling Precautions: Avoid inhalation of aerosols and prolonged skin contact
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with:
- FDA regulations for food-grade emulsifiers
- Cosmetic ingredient safety standards (e.g., EU Cosmetic Regulation)
- USP/NF monographs for pharmaceutical grades
- REACH and other international chemical safety regulations
- FDA regulations for food-grade emulsifiers
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable
- Ecotoxicity: Low environmental impact when used as directed
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as hazardous
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Gloves and safety goggles recommended during handling of concentrated material
- Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid inhalation of mist or aerosols
- Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed; avoid contamination
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air if irritation occurs
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation persists
- Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation continues
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical advice if discomfort or symptoms develop
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Not flammable but can burn under fire conditions
- Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂
- Special Precautions: Use standard protective equipment
- Hazardous Combustion Products: May produce carbon oxides and other toxic fumes during combustion
Related products
Amphoteric Surfactants
Amphoteric surfactants are unique surface-active agents that can act as either anionic or cationic surfactants depending on the pH of the solution. These molecules contain both acidic (carboxyl or sulfonic) and basic (amine or quaternary ammonium) functional groups, giving them high versatility, mildness, and compatibility with other surfactants. Amphoteric surfactants are widely used in personal care, household cleaning, industrial applications, pharmaceuticals, and specialty formulations where low irritation and effective cleansing are critical. Common examples include Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Lauryl Betaine.
Cetomacrogol PEG1000 (Ginonic CSA 20)
Cetomacrogol PEG (Ginonic CSA) is a polyethylene glycol-based nonionic surfactant and emulsifier with an average molecular weight of approximately 1000 Da. It appears as a white to off-white waxy solid or flakes with a neutral odor. This high-quality grade is widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and personal care formulations due to its excellent emulsifying, solubilizing, and moisturizing properties. Cetomacrogol PEG1000 (Ginonic CSA 20) facilitates stable oil-in-water emulsions, improves product texture and skin feel, and enhances the bioavailability of active ingredients. Its hydrophilic nature and compatibility with a wide range of ingredients make it a versatile additive in creams, lotions, ointments, and topical gels.
Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride
Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride (CTAC) is a cationic surfactant and quaternary ammonium compound characterized by a long hydrophobic cetyl (C16) alkyl chain and a positively charged ammonium head group. It appears as a white to pale yellow powder or flakes, soluble in water, and exhibits strong surface-active properties. CTAC is widely used in cosmetics, personal care, and industrial applications for its excellent conditioning, antistatic, emulsifying, and disinfectant capabilities. It functions primarily as a fabric softener, hair conditioner, and antimicrobial agent.
Emulsifier ( Emulgator) NP-9
Emulsifier ( Emulgator) NP-9 is a nonionic surfactant belonging to the family of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs), specifically with an average of 9 ethylene oxide (EO) units. It is widely used as an effective emulsifying, wetting, dispersing, and solubilizing agent. NP-9 is typically a pale yellow to amber viscous liquid, soluble in water and various organic solvents. It is valued for its strong emulsifying ability to stabilize oil-in-water (O/W) and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions, excellent detergency, and good compatibility with other surfactants and formulation ingredients. NP-9 is commonly employed in industrial, agricultural, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and cleaning applications.
Emulsifying Wax Anionic
Emulsifying Wax Anionic is a versatile surfactant blend composed primarily of fatty alcohols (such as cetyl or stearyl alcohol) and anionic surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate. It is designed to stabilize oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions by reducing interfacial tension between water and oil phases. It appears as white to off-white solid flakes or pellets, with a mild fatty odor and is dispersible in water with agitation and mild heat. Known for its excellent emulsification, cleansing, and thickening properties, this emulsifying wax is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, household cleaners, and industrial applications.
Galaxy MW 257( Lutensol A07)
Galaxy MW 257( Lutensol A07), also known commercially as Lutensol A07, is a nonionic surfactant belonging to the class of ethoxylated alcohols. It is synthesized by ethoxylation of C7 fatty alcohols, resulting in a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) suitable for versatile applications in detergency, emulsification, wetting, and dispersing. This liquid surfactant is valued for its excellent surface-active properties, biodegradability, low toxicity, and compatibility with other formulation ingredients. It is widely used in industrial, household, agricultural, and personal care products to improve formulation stability and performance.
Guar Gum
Guar Gum is a natural polysaccharide extracted from the endosperm of the guar bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba). It appears as an off-white to cream-colored powder with a neutral odor and bland taste. Guar Gum is a galactomannan composed mainly of mannose and galactose units, known for its excellent water-binding, thickening, and stabilizing properties. It forms highly viscous solutions even at low concentrations, making it a versatile hydrocolloid used widely across food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, oilfield, and industrial applications.
Myristic Acid
Myristic Acid is a saturated fatty acid with a 14-carbon chain, naturally found in nutmeg, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and butter fat. It appears as a white crystalline solid with a faint odor. It is widely used in the manufacture of soaps, cosmetics, surfactants, and food additives due to its emollient and cleansing properties. Myristic Acid acts as a key intermediate in the production of esters, detergents, and lubricants.

Preservatives(food)
Flavor Enhancers
Acidulants
Sweeteners
Antioxidants
Colorants(food)
Nutraceutical Ingredients (food)
Nutrient Supplements
Emulsifiers
Collectors
Dust Suppressants
Explosives and Blasting Agents
Flocculants and Coagulants
Frothers
Leaching Agents
pH Modifiers
Precious Metal Extraction Agents
Antioxidants(plastic)
Colorants (Pigments, Dyes)
Fillers and Reinforcements
Flame Retardants
Monomers
Plasticizers
Polymerization Initiators
Stabilizers (UV, Heat)
Antifoaming Agents
Chelating Agents
Coagulants and Flocculants
Corrosion Inhibitors
Disinfectants and Biocides
Oxidizing Agents
pH Adjusters
Scale Inhibitors( water)
Antioxidants(cosmetic)
Emollients
Fragrances and Essential Oils
Humectants
Preservatives
Surfactants(cosmetic)
Thickeners
UV Filters
Fertilizers
Soil Conditioners
Plant Growth Regulators
Animal Feed Additives
Biostimulants
Pesticides (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides)
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
Excipients
Solvents(pharmaceutical)
Antibiotics
Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Vaccine Adjuvants
Nutraceutical Ingredients (pharmaceutical)
Analgesics & Antipyretics
Analytical Reagents
Solvents(lab)
Chromatography Chemicals
Spectroscopy Reagents
microbiology-and-cell-culture-reagents
Molecular Biology Reagents
Biochemical Reagents
Inorganic and Organic Standards
Laboratory Safety Chemicals
Specialty Laboratory Chemicals(Special Laboratory Equipment)
Demulsifiers
Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids
Scale Inhibitors(oil)
Surfactants(oil)
Drilling Fluids
Dyes and Pigments
Bleaching Agents
Softening Agents
Finishing Agents
Antistatic Agents
Admixtures
Waterproofing Agents
Sealants and Adhesives
Curing Compounds
Concrete Repair Chemicals
Anti-Corrosion Coatings
Surfactants(cleaning)
Builders
Enzymes
Solvents (Cleaning)
Fragrances
Electronic Chemicals
Catalysts
Lubricants
Photographic Chemicals
Refrigerants
Automotive chemicals
Pyrotechnic Chemicals
Biodegradable Surfactants
Bio-based Solvents
Renewable Polymers
Carbon Capture Chemicals
Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
Pigments
Solvents(paint)
Specialty Coatings
Binders/Resins
Additives
Driers
Anti-Corrosion Agents
Functional Coatings
Application-Specific Coatings
Leavening Agents
Dough Conditioners
Flour Treatments
Fat Replacers
Decoratives
Preservatives(baking)
Plasticizers & Softeners
Reinforcing Agents
Adhesion Promoters
Vulcanizing Agents
Antidegradants
Blowing Agents
Fillers & Extenders
Accelerators & Retarders