Tween 60 (Polysorbate 60)
Tween 60, or Polysorbate 60, is a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier synthesized from sorbitan monostearate and ethylene oxide. It is part of the polysorbate family and is used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions in food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. It appears as a yellowish, viscous liquid or waxy paste at room temperature. Known for its high Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB), Tween 60 is ideal for solubilizing fats, oils, and vitamins in aqueous solutions and enhancing product texture and shelf life.
Primary Uses
Food Industry:
Used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in baked goods, non-dairy creamers, whipped toppings, sauces, and desserts.
Improves texture and moisture retention in cakes, breads, and frostings.
Aids in fat dispersion and prevents separation in margarine and processed foods.
Helps maintain foam structure in beverages and toppings.
Cosmetics and Personal Care:
Functions as an emulsifier and dispersant in creams, lotions, body butters, and hair conditioners.
Enhances spreadability and skin feel in oil-in-water emulsions.
Solubilizes essential oils and active ingredients in formulations like facial cleansers and serums.
Pharmaceutical Industry:
Used as a solubilizing agent in topical and oral drug formulations.
Included in injectable emulsions and vaccine stabilizers to ensure uniform dispersion of lipophilic compounds.
Assists in controlled release and improved bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs.
Nutraceuticals & Supplements:
Used in soft gels and liquid supplements to emulsify fat-soluble vitamins and extracts.
Secondary Uses
Industrial Cleaners:
Functions as a non-ionic surfactant in specialty cleaners for oil and grease removal.
Textile Industry:
Acts as a wetting agent and emulsifier during dyeing and finishing processes.
Agriculture:
Used in pesticide emulsions and foliar spray formulations to improve wetting and spreading on leaves.
Paints and Coatings:
Serves as a dispersing agent for pigments and resins in water-based paints.
Laboratory Use:
Applied in biological assays and buffers as a solubilizing agent for hydrophobic substances.
Chemical Name (IUPAC): Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate
Common/Trade Name: Tween 60, Polysorbate 60
CAS Number: 9005-67-8
HS Code: 3402.13.00
Synonyms: Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, PEG-20 sorbitan stearate
Physical & Chemical Properties
Physical State: Waxy solid or thick liquid (depending on temperature)
Color & Odor: Yellow to amber; mild fatty odor
Melting Point: ~45–50 °C
Solubility: Soluble in water, ethanol; insoluble in oils
pH (1% solution): 5.0–7.0
HLB Value: ~14.9 (highly hydrophilic)
Density: ~1.07 g/cm³
Viscosity: High at room temperature
Safety & Hazard Attributes
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous
Toxicity: Low toxicity; safe under approved concentrations in food, cosmetics, and pharma
Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits
Irritation: Minimal; may cause mild eye or skin irritation in concentrated form
Storage & Handling Attributes
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat and moisture
Container Type: HDPE drums or food-grade packaging
Shelf Life: 24 months in sealed containers
Handling Precautions: Avoid contamination and exposure to strong oxidizing agents
Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
Approved by FDA, EFSA, and JECFA for food use
Listed in USP, BP, and EP for pharmaceutical applications
Permitted in COSMOS and ECOCERT certified cosmetic formulations
Compliant with REACH, TSCA, and GMP guidelines
GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) when used within recommended levels
Environmental & Health Impact
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable
Ecotoxicity: Low environmental hazard
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
PPE Required: Gloves and eye protection for industrial-scale handling
Handling Guidelines: Use in a well-ventilated area; avoid prolonged contact
Storage Measures: Keep container tightly closed; avoid freezing
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move to fresh air if mist is inhaled in high concentrations
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water; seek medical advice if irritation continues
Ingestion: Non-toxic in small amounts; consult a physician if large quantities are ingested
Firefighting Measures
Fire Hazards: Combustible at high temperatures
Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or COâ‚‚
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide

Preservatives(food)
Flavor Enhancers
Acidulants
Sweeteners
Antioxidants
Colorants(food)
Nutraceutical Ingredients (food)
Nutrient Supplements
Emulsifiers
Collectors
Dust Suppressants
Explosives and Blasting Agents
Flocculants and Coagulants
Frothers
Leaching Agents
pH Modifiers
Precious Metal Extraction Agents
Antioxidants(plastic)
Colorants (Pigments, Dyes)
Fillers and Reinforcements
Flame Retardants
Monomers
Plasticizers
Polymerization Initiators
Stabilizers (UV, Heat)
Antifoaming Agents
Chelating Agents
Coagulants and Flocculants
Corrosion Inhibitors
Disinfectants and Biocides
Oxidizing Agents
pH Adjusters
Scale Inhibitors( water)
Antioxidants(cosmetic)
Emollients
Fragrances and Essential Oils
Humectants
Preservatives
Surfactants(cosmetic)
Thickeners
UV Filters
Fertilizers
Soil Conditioners
Plant Growth Regulators
Animal Feed Additives
Biostimulants
Pesticides (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides)
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
Excipients
Solvents(pharmaceutical)
Antibiotics
Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Vaccine Adjuvants
Nutraceutical Ingredients (pharmaceutical)
Analgesics & Antipyretics
Analytical Reagents
Solvents(lab)
Chromatography Chemicals
Spectroscopy Reagents
microbiology-and-cell-culture-reagents
Molecular Biology Reagents
Biochemical Reagents
Inorganic and Organic Standards
Laboratory Safety Chemicals
Specialty Laboratory Chemicals(Special Laboratory Equipment)
Demulsifiers
Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids
Scale Inhibitors(oil)
Surfactants(oil)
Drilling Fluids
Dyes and Pigments
Bleaching Agents
Softening Agents
Finishing Agents
Antistatic Agents
Admixtures
Waterproofing Agents
Sealants and Adhesives
Curing Compounds
Concrete Repair Chemicals
Anti-Corrosion Coatings
Surfactants(cleaning)
Builders
Enzymes
Solvents (Cleaning)
Fragrances
Electronic Chemicals
Catalysts
Lubricants
Photographic Chemicals
Refrigerants
Automotive chemicals
Pyrotechnic Chemicals
Biodegradable Surfactants
Bio-based Solvents
Renewable Polymers
Carbon Capture Chemicals
Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
Pigments
Solvents(paint)
Specialty Coatings
Binders/Resins
Additives
Driers
Anti-Corrosion Agents
Functional Coatings
Application-Specific Coatings
Fresh Herbs
Ground Spices
Whole Spices
Spice Blends
Dried Herbs
Leavening Agents
Dough Conditioners
Flour Treatments
Fat Replacers
Decoratives
Preservatives(baking)
Plasticizers & Softeners
Reinforcing Agents
Adhesion Promoters
Vulcanizing Agents
Antidegradants
Blowing Agents
Fillers & Extenders
Accelerators & Retarders