Tween 20 (Polysorbate 20)
Tween 20, also known as Polysorbate 20, is a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from the esterification of sorbitan (from sorbitol) with fatty acids, followed by ethoxylation. It is a pale yellow to amber viscous liquid that is completely soluble in water, making it ideal for emulsifying oil-in-water systems. Tween 20 is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, biotechnology, and industrial formulations due to its excellent emulsifying, dispersing, solubilizing, and stabilizing properties.