Polysorbate 80 – Versatile Non-Ionic Emulsifier for Personal Care Formulations.
Polysorbate 80, also known as Poly 80 or Tween 80, is a non-ionic emulsifier and surfactant widely used in personal care formulations. This versatile ingredient acts as a bridge between oil and water, creating stable emulsions and ensuring consistent textures in a variety of products. Polysorbate 80 is particularly effective at emulsifying heavier oils, such as carrier oils and essential oils, making it essential for products like lotions, body washes, hair creams, and scrubs. Its higher HLB value (15) allows it to handle a wide range of oil-to-water ratios, enhancing product stability and performance.
Key Features & Benefits
- Non-Ionic Emulsifier: Works across a wide pH range and is compatible with various ingredients in formulations, including anionic, cationic, and non-ionic systems.
- Effective with Heavier Oils: Polysorbate 80 is particularly effective at emulsifying heavier carrier oils and can also solubilize essential oils and fragrance oils.
- Stable Emulsions: Improves the stability of oil-in-water emulsions, ensuring products maintain their integrity and texture over time.
- Multi-Purpose Ingredient: Functions as a solubilizer, dispersing agent, and anti-static thickener in various formulations.
- Emulsification Synergy: When combined with ingredients like cetyl alcohol or sorbitan stearate, Polysorbate 80 improves overall emulsifying efficiency.
INCI Name: Polysorbate 80
CAS Number: 9005-65-6
Appearance: Amber, viscous liquid
Odor: Mild to odorless
Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohols; insoluble in oils
pH: Works in a wide pH range
HLB Value: 15, suitable for oil-in-water emulsions
Country of Origin: USA
Recommended Usage Levels
- Typical Use: 1% to 10% depending on the formulation.
- Carrier Oil Solubilization: Use between 3% to 5% of Polysorbate 80 for emulsifying heavier oils such as carrier oils.
- Essential Oil Solubilization: When blending essential oils into water-based products, use a 1:1 to 3:1 ratio of Polysorbate 80 to essential oil.
Suggested Applications
- Lotions & Creams: Ensures stable emulsions for moisturizing and nourishing formulations, particularly when incorporating heavier oils.
- Body Washes & Bath Oils: Promotes the even distribution of oils and surfactants in body washes and bath oils, enhancing the cleansing experience.
- Hair Care Products: Ideal for emulsifying conditioning oils into shampoos, hair creams, and leave-in treatments, providing smooth textures and a consistent feel.
- Lip Gloss: Creates a consistent and appealing texture, ideal for smooth application of lip products.
- Scrubs: Ensures uniform distribution of oils and exfoliating agents within scrubs, enhancing the overall user experience.
How to Use
Polysorbate 80 can be added directly to formulations. For best results, pre-mix with oils before adding to water-based solutions to ensure proper emulsification and a smooth, homogenous texture. It can be used in both hot and cold process formulations.
Storage & Shelf Life
- Storage: Store in a cool, dark, and dry place in a sealed container to maintain quality and efficacy.
- Shelf Life: Up to 2 years when stored properly.
External Use Only: Not intended for internal consumption.
