Polysorbate 80 is a nonionic surfactant widely used in skin care, hair care and pharmaceutical products. Its chemical name is polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate. This ingredient is obtained by esterifying sorbitan with oleic acid and then undergoing ethoxylation. It is a yellow transparent liquid with a slight odor and bitter taste. The standard packaging is 20kg/barrel, which is suitable for large-scale production and formula development.
General characteristics
Polysorbate 80 has good solubility and is easily soluble in water, ethanol, methanol and vegetable oil, but insoluble in mineral oil. It is suitable for O/W emulsification systems with water as the main phase. As a high HLB emulsifier, it is often used in conjunction with low HLB emulsifiers such as sorbitan monooleate to construct an emulsion system with stable structure and fine texture under acid, alkali or electrolyte conditions. The recommended addition amount is 1%-5%. It is generally introduced and used during the oil phase heating stage to facilitate full dispersion and emulsification.
Uses in cosmetics
Polysorbate 80 is widely used in products such as creams, lotions, conditioners, and essences. It can effectively emulsify oil phase ingredients, evenly distribute them in the water phase, enhance system stability, and prevent stratification or precipitation. Its mild properties and good compatibility are suitable for a variety of skin types, especially for product formulations that need to strike a balance between stability and skin feel. It is one of the key ingredients for building a mild, safe, and long-lasting system.