Preservatives(food)
Flavor Enhancers
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Nutraceutical Ingredients (food)
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Explosives and Blasting Agents
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pH Modifiers
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Antioxidants(plastic)
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Antioxidants(cosmetic)
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Fertilizers
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Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
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microbiology-and-cell-culture-reagents
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Fillers & Extenders
Accelerators & Retarders
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
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.
Carbomer
Carbomer is a high molecular weight, crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer used primarily as a rheology modifier, thickening agent, and suspension stabilizer. Supplied as a fluffy white powder, it exhibits high viscosity and excellent clarity when neutralized and dispersed in water or alcohol-water systems. Carbomer 940 is widely valued for its ability to form clear gels, control flow properties, and stabilize emulsions. It is commonly used in cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceuticals, and household formulations due to its consistency, compatibility, and efficient thickening performance at low concentrations.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Food Grade
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Food Grade is a water-soluble cellulose derivative produced by the etherification of cellulose with monochloroacetic acid. It appears as a fine, white to off-white powder with excellent thickening, stabilizing, and water retention properties. Designed specifically for food applications, this grade complies with food safety regulations and is widely used as a texture modifier, stabilizer, and emulsifier in a variety of processed foods. It enhances product consistency, extends shelf life, and improves moisture retention without altering taste or odor. Being non-toxic, biodegradable, and non-caloric, it is considered safe for human consumption and is approved as a food additive in many countries.
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.
Galsilk 700( polyquartenum 7)
Galsilk 700( polyquartenum 7) is a water-soluble cationic polymer known chemically as Polyquaternium-7. It is widely used as a conditioning agent in personal care and cosmetic formulations, prized for its excellent substantivity to hair and skin, providing softness, smoothness, and antistatic effects. This polymer is typically supplied as a clear to slightly hazy viscous liquid or gel. It is compatible with a broad range of surfactants and ingredients, enhancing the sensory profile of shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and skincare formulations. Galsilk 700 is also valued for its film-forming properties and ability to improve product stability.
Glycerol Monostearate Flakes
Glycerol Monostearate Flakes is a white to off-white waxy flake form emulsifier composed of 40% monoglycerides of fatty acids, primarily stearic and palmitic acids, combined with other glycerides and esters. Derived mainly from vegetable oils, this food-grade emulsifier is widely utilized in food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors for its multifunctional properties. GMS 40% flakes serve as effective emulsifiers, stabilizers, anti-caking agents, and texture enhancers, with excellent compatibility and versatility in formulations requiring semi-solid or solid fats.
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.
