Polysorbate 80

About This Product

Polysorbate 80 (CAS 9005-65-6), also called polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate, is a nonionic surfactant made by ethoxylating sorbitan monooleate with an average of about 20 moles of ethylene oxide. The oleate is the hydrophobic part and the polyoxyethylene chains the hydrophilic part, giving a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of about 15. It is an amber to yellow, viscous, oily liquid with a faint characteristic odour, soluble in water and ethanol. That HLB makes polysorbate 80 an oil-in-water emulsifier and solubiliser. It is often paired with a low-HLB sorbitan ester so that the blend's HLB can be matched to the oil phase. Because the oleic acid chain contains a double bond, polysorbate 80 can oxidise and form peroxides and aldehydes on storage, especially in warm conditions or in contact with air and light. For that reason, oxidation-related limits, such as peroxide value, are a key part of its specification, and pharmaceutical grades are made and packed to minimise oxidation. In cosmetics and personal care it emulsifies creams and lotions, solubilises fragrances and oils in clear products, and acts as a wetting agent. In pharmaceuticals, pharmacopoeia grades are used as solubilisers and stabilisers in oral, topical and injectable products. In industry, it is used as an emulsifier in agrochemical concentrates, metalworking fluids and lubricants, as a wetting and dispersing agent in paints, inks and latex, and in textile auxiliaries. Food grade (E433) is a separate product with its own purity criteria; confirm the grade before any regulated use. The parameters buyers agree are acid value, saponification value, hydroxyl value, water content, peroxide value, and sometimes iodine value, viscosity and residue on ignition. For pharmaceutical use, the grade must meet the relevant pharmacopoeia monograph, with limits on ethylene oxide and dioxane. Agree the grade and limits in writing and check every certificate of analysis. Polysorbate 80 is generally not classified as hazardous under CLP and is not regulated as dangerous goods for transport, but check sections 2 and 14 of the safety data sheet. Polysorbates are generally treated as polymers under EU REACH and UK REACH, so registration applies to the monomers and reactants; an importer should confirm how these are covered for the import. Cosmetic manufacturers should keep the grade statement with the product information file. Store polysorbate 80 in closed containers, protected from light, air and heat. It becomes more viscous and may cloud at low temperatures; warm it gently and mix before use. Part-used containers should be blanketed with nitrogen or used quickly to limit oxidation. When you enquire, state the grade (technical, cosmetic or pharmacopoeia), the application, key limits such as acid value, water and peroxide value, the pack format, your annual volume and the destination.