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 UsesÂ
- 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 COâ‚‚
- 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.
Cocodiethanolamide (CDEA)
Cocodiethanolamide (CDEA) is a viscous, amber to dark brown liquid derived from the reaction of coconut oil fatty acids with diethanolamine. It is a non-ionic surfactant and foam stabilizer commonly used in personal care and cleaning products. CDEA enhances foam quality, viscosity, and skin conditioning properties in formulations. Due to its excellent emulsifying and thickening abilities, it is widely used as a secondary surfactant to boost the performance of primary detergents. It is valued for its biodegradability, mildness, and compatibility with various surfactants and other ingredients in cosmetics and industrial formulations.
Diethanolamine
Diethanolamine is a colorless to pale yellow, viscous liquid with a mild ammonia-like odor. It is a secondary amine and diol, widely used in various industrial, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. DEA is highly soluble in water and many organic solvents. It acts as an intermediate in the synthesis of surfactants, emulsifiers, corrosion inhibitors, and pharmaceuticals. It is valued for its alkalinity, emulsifying properties, and ability to form stable complexes with fatty acids.
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.
Glycerol Monostearate
Glycerol Monostearate is a white to off-white, free-flowing powder composed of 50% monoglycerides of stearic and palmitic acids, typically derived from vegetable oils. It is a non-ionic emulsifier widely used in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and industrial applications. GMS functions as an emulsifying agent, stabilizer, thickener, anti-staling agent, and opacifier. In food, it improves texture and extends shelf life. In cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, it enhances creaminess and stability. GMS 50% is often blended with other emulsifiers or surfactants and is valued for its versatile functionality, safety, and compatibility with a wide range of ingredients.
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.
Turkey Red Oil (Sulphated Castor Oil)
Turkey Red Oil (Sulphated Castor Oil), also known as Sulphated Castor Oil, is a water-soluble derivative of castor oil produced by the sulfonation of castor oil. It appears as a viscous, amber to dark brown liquid with excellent emulsifying, detergent, and wetting properties. Turkey Red Oil is widely used as a natural surfactant and emulsifier in various industrial and personal care applications. It is known for its biodegradability, mildness, and ability to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions. Traditionally used in textile processing as a softener and lubricant, it now finds broad usage in cosmetics, detergents, leather processing, and cleaning products due to its unique functional attributes.

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