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.
Booster Emulsifier
Booster Emulsifier is a specialized surfactant-based additive formulated to enhance the stability, texture, and uniformity of emulsions in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical formulations. It acts by reducing surface tension between immiscible liquids such as oil and water, facilitating the formation of stable, homogeneous emulsions. Booster Emulsifier is valued for its ability to improve product appearance, extend shelf life, and enhance sensory properties such as mouthfeel and creaminess. It is typically available as a liquid or powder and compatible with a wide range of ingredients.
Cetomacrogel 1000BP
Cetomacrogel 1000BP is a high molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative, typically used as a thickening agent, emulsifier, and stabilizer in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. It appears as a white to off-white, waxy solid or flakes with a neutral odor. Known for its excellent water solubility and compatibility with various ingredients, Cetomacrogel 1000BP enhances texture, viscosity, and stability in creams, ointments, and gels. It serves as a hydrophilic vehicle base in topical and oral pharmaceutical preparations and improves product spreadability and skin feel.
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.
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.
Emulsifying Wax Non ionic
Emulsifying Wax Non ionic is a self-emulsifying, non-ionic wax blend composed primarily of fatty alcohols (typically cetostearyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol) and non-ionic surfactants like polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivatives. It is used to stabilize oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions without relying on ionic charges, making it highly compatible with a wide range of ingredients, including both cationic and anionic components. This wax is commonly found in white, odorless solid flakes or pellets and is dispersible in hot water to form smooth, stable emulsions. It is widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications where gentle emulsification, stability, and broad pH compatibility are needed.
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.
Polyglyceryl
Polyglyceryl refers to a family of non-ionic surfactants and emulsifiers made by the polymerization of glycerol units. Depending on the number of glycerol units (e.g., Polyglyceryl-2, -3, -6, -10) and fatty acid esterification (e.g., laurate, oleate, stearate), they offer different emulsifying and solubilizing properties. These compounds are biodegradable, mild, and skin-friendly, making them ideal for use in cosmetics, food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. Polyglyceryl esters are often chosen in natural and organic product formulations due to their origin and non-toxic profile.

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