Polisorbato 20, 60, 80

You Polysorbates These are ethoxylated sorbitan esters used as non-ionic emulsifiers, dispersants, solubilizers, and surfactants in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical formulations.

They exhibit different HLB values depending on the fatty acid of origin and the degree of ethoxylation. Due to the hydrophilic nature of the polyoxyethylene chain, they are soluble or dispersible in water and especially suitable for oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions.

Benefits

• They aid in the formation of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions.
• They contribute to the stability of emulsions.
• They reduce the interfacial tension between the phases.
• They act as dispersants.
• They act as solubilizers.
• They aid in the solubilization of essential oils and vitamins in an aqueous medium.
• They can act as co-surfactants.
• They have different HLB values to suit the emulsified system.
• They have applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Features

• Ethoxylated sorbitan esters
• Fatty acid esters and ethoxylated sorbitol
• Non-ionic surfactants
• Hydrophilic characteristic
• HLB varies depending on the fatty acid and the degree of ethoxylation.
• Soluble or dispersible in water
• Suitable for oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions.
• They possess both hydrophilic and lipophilic groups.
• They can act as emulsifiers, solubilizers, and co-surfactants.

Where to apply

Cosmetics:

• Baby shampoos
• Creams
• Lotions
• Soaps

Foods:

• Pastry products
• Fine bakery products
• Fat emulsions for baking
• Ice cream
• Desserts
• Confectionery products
• Emulsified sauces
• Soups
• Chewing gum
• Dietary food supplements

Pharmacists:

• Pharmaceutical formulations

Technical information

• Identification: Polysorbates — fatty acid esters and ethoxylated sorbitol
• Class: Non-ionic surfactants
• HLB: High, which may vary depending on the fatty acid of origin and the degree of ethoxylation.
• Solubility / dispersibility: Soluble or dispersible in water
• Emulsion type: Suitable for oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions.

Functions and applications

Main function: to act as high HLB non-ionic emulsifiers and as solubilizers of essential oils and vitamins in aqueous media.

Complementary functions:

• Emulsifier
• Surfactant
• Dispersant
• Solubilizer
• Co-surfactant

Applications: Food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

In which formulations can polysorbates be used?

They can be used in baby shampoos, creams, lotions, soaps, food emulsions, baked goods, desserts, confectionery, sauces, soups, and pharmaceutical formulations.

What is the solubility of polysorbates?

Due to the hydrophilic nature of the polyoxyethylene chain, polysorbates are soluble or dispersible in water.

What type of emulsion can be formulated with polysorbates?

They are especially used in the production of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions.

Is the HLB of polysorbates always the same?

No. The HLB varies according to the source fatty acid and the degree of ethoxylation, allowing the selection of Polysorbate according to the characteristics of the emulsified system.