Tween 20 (Polysorbate 20)

Primary Uses
Cosmetics and Personal Care:

Used as an emulsifier in creams, lotions, and cleansers for stable oil-in-water emulsions.

Functions as a solubilizer for essential oils and fragrances in body sprays, shampoos, and facial mists.

Acts as a surfactant and wetting agent in formulations for skin and hair care.

Pharmaceutical Industry:

Used as a solubilizing agent for poorly water-soluble active ingredients.

Acts as a stabilizer in injectable solutions, ophthalmic formulations, and oral suspensions.

Employed in vaccine formulations as a dispersing agent for antigens.

Food Industry (Food Grade):

Used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in sauces, ice cream, dressings, and beverages.

Helps in dispersing flavor oils and preventing separation in processed foods.

Often included in bakery mixes for texture improvement and shelf-life extension.

Biotechnology & Laboratory Use:

Functions as a blocking agent in Western blotting and ELISA to prevent non-specific binding.

Used as a detergent in cell lysis buffers and protein purification protocols.

Aids in membrane protein solubilization and micelle formation for biochemical studies.

Secondary Uses
Household and Industrial Cleaners:

Used as a wetting agent and emulsifier in surface cleaners, detergents, and disinfectants.

Paints and Coatings:

Functions as a dispersant and stabilizer in water-based paints and inks to improve pigment distribution.

Agrochemical Formulations:

Included in pesticide and herbicide emulsions for better spreadability and adhesion on plant surfaces.

Textile Industry:

Used as a fiber wetting and softening agent in finishing processes.

Medical Devices and Diagnostics:

Applied in coating processes for diagnostic tools and test strips to improve hydrophilicity.