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Catalog Number | CI-SC-1016 |
Product Name | Polysorbate-20 |
CAS | 9005-64-5 |
Description | Polysorbate-20 is a type of emulsifier, which means that it helps different substances to mix together. It is made from sorbitol, which is a sugar alcohol, and oleic acid, which is a fatty acid. Polysorbate-20 is commonly used in a variety of products such as foods, personal care items, and pharmaceuticals. In food, it is used to stabilize emulsions (such as in salad dressings or ice cream) and prevent separation of products that wouldn't naturally stay mixed (such as oil and water-based ingredients). In personal care and beauty products, it helps mix oil- and water-based ingredients to prevent separation, and can also work as a solubilizer to help other ingredients dissolve into a formula. |
Appearance | clear, viscous liquid with a slightly sweet odor |
Application | 1. Polysorbate-20 is used as a surfactant in many personal care products such as shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and creams. 2. It helps to emulsify and stabilize oil and water-based ingredients. 3. It can also act as a solubilizer, assisting with the dissolution of essential oils and fragrances in products. 4. Polysorbate-20 is often used in pharmaceuticals as a solubilizing agent and to enhance drug delivery. 5. In the food industry, it is used as an emulsifier and to stabilize flavorings in products such as ice cream and salad dressings. |
Features And Benefits | 1. Acts as an emulsifier 2. Stabilizes oil-in-water formulations 3. Enhances foaming properties 4. Increases product transparency 5. Improves skin penetration ability of active ingredients 6. Enhances product spreadability 7. Increases shelf life of products |
What is Polysorbate 20, and why is it used in cosmetic products?
Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifying agent commonly used in the cosmetic industry. Its primary role is to bind oil and water, ensuring that formulations remain stable and well-mixed. This ingredient enhances the spreadability of products and is well-known for being gentle on both skin and hair. It is frequently found in various personal care products, including face washes, body lotions, hair sprays, mascaras, and foundations. Additionally, Polysorbate 20 plays a role in creating foam in cleansing products.
How does Polysorbate 20 benefit skin and hair care formulations?
In skincare, Polysorbate 20 acts as an effective surfactant, which reduces the surface tension of other ingredients, leading to a stable and efficient formulation. It helps in producing foam that attracts oil and dirt, allowing them to be washed away easily. In hair care, Polysorbate 20 not only functions as a surfactant but also enhances fragrance, thanks to its derivation from sorbitol-a compound found in certain sweet-smelling fruits.
How is Polysorbate 20 produced, and what is its chemical composition?
Polysorbate 20 is created by reacting sorbitol and polyol with ethylene oxide. The "20" in its name signifies the number of ethylene oxide molecules involved in the reaction. It typically appears as a viscous liquid with a clear, yellow, or yellow-green hue. Its chemical formula is C58H114O26.
Is Polysorbate 20 safe to use in cosmetics?
Yes, Polysorbate 20 is considered safe for use on skin and hair. Although there is a potential concern for contamination with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing, appropriate filtration processes ensure the final product's safety. It is also vegan and non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores or cause acne. Despite occasional claims regarding carcinogenic risks, strict quality control and processing procedures mitigate such risks, allowing its safe inclusion in various formulations.