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| Catalog Number | CI-SC-0214 |
| Product Name | Polysorbate 20 |
| CAS | 9005-64-5 |
| Synonyms | Polysorbate 40 (NF);Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate;polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate;Tween.(TM). 20;Polysorbate (INN) |
| Description | Emulsifying agent consisting of laurate esters of sorbitol consisting of the monoester condensed with ethylene oxide (polyoxyethylene-20 sorbitan monostearate). HLB Value: 16-17 (gives oil-in-water emulsions). |
| IUPAC Name | 2-[2-[3,4-Bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)oxolan-2-yl]-2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethyl dodecanoate |
| Molecular Weight | 522.7 g/mol |
| Molecular Formula | C32H60O10 |
| Canonical SMILES | CCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OCCOCC(C1C(C(CO1)OCCO)OCCO)OCCO |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C26H50O10/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-24(30)34-19-18-31-20-22(32-15-12-27)26-25(35-17-14-29)23(21-36-26)33-16-13-28/h22-23,25-29H,2-21H2,1H3 |
| InChI Key | HMFKFHLTUCJZJO-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| Melting Point | 98.9 °C |
| Flash Point | 199.4ºC |
| Purity | 98%+ |
| Density | 1.106 g/mL |
| Solubility | Water-soluble |
| Appearance | Yellow liquid, no or weak odor |
| Application | Creams, salves, ointments, balms, pomades, lipsticks, mascaras, glosses. |
| Storage | Store in a closed container at a dry place at room temperature |
| Composition | Polysorbate-20 |
| Features And Benefits | Non-ionic emulsifier (enables water and oil to mix)Emulsifying efficacy is increased further when combined with cetyl alcohol or sorbitan stearateActs as dispersing agent and anti-static thickenerVery useful as solubilizer and stabilizer of essential oils. |
| GMO | GMONo data available |
| HS Code | 3402130000 |
| INCI | Polysorbate-20 |
| Manufacture | Polysorbate 20 is obtained by esterification of sorbitol with one or three molecules of a fatty acid including stearic, lauric, oleic, and palmitic acid. |
| Preservation | Preservative-free |
| Purity Grade | No purity grade applicable |
| Raw Material Source | Sorbitol, vegetable oils |
| Refractive Index | 1.4685-1.4715 |
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 133 Ų |
| Uses | Can be added to formulas as is. Typical use level 2 - 10%. For external use only. |
Polysorbate 20 is an ethoxylated sorbitan ester, renowned for its non-toxic properties and versatility as a hydrophilic oil-in-water emulsifier, stabilizer, and solubilizer. This clear, odorless liquid is soluble in water, alcohol, and methanol, and functions by enabling the integration of oils into water-based formulations without the need for alcohol. Polysorbate 20 exhibits excellent solubilizing and viscosity-building characteristics, making it suitable for diverse formulations such as lotions, creams, and solid personal care products. With a high HLB factor of 16.7, it combines lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds efficiently, providing controlled foaming and detergency. Additionally, it excels as a solubilizing agent for fat-soluble compounds and fragrant oils in aqueous mediums, including make-up removers, gels, and shampoos. Its uses extend across a spectrum of textures, from sprays to butters, offering a lightweight, neutral feel. Notably, Polysorbate 20 demonstrates exceptional skin tolerance, even for sensitive areas like the eyes, and can reduce irritation within mixed surfactant systems, making it ideal for products that require mildness, such as baby baths and shampoos.
What is Polysorbate 20, and what is it commonly used for in formulations?
Polysorbate 20 is an ethoxylated sorbitan ester, specifically a coconut oil fatty acid ester of sorbitol copolymerized with approximately 20 moles of ethylene oxide. It is a versatile, non-toxic hydrophilic oil-in-water emulsifier, stabilizer, and solubilizer that allows oils to dissolve in water-based formulations without the need for alcohol. It is commonly used in lotions, creams, solid personal care products, and various other applications where emulsification of oils is necessary.
What are some key properties of Polysorbate 20?
Polysorbate 20 is known for its excellent solubilizing and viscosity-building properties. It is a clear, odorless, and viscous liquid soluble in water, alcohol, and methanol but insoluble in mineral oils. With an HLB factor of 16.7, it effectively combines lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds, offering detergency with controlled foaming. It is particularly effective in providing a lightweight-neutral feel in formulations.
In what types of products can Polysorbate 20 be found?
Polysorbate 20 can be found in a wide range of products, such as makeup removers, gels, shampoos, baby baths, baby shampoos, and other personal care and skincare products. It is ideal for applications requiring mildness and those formulated for sensitive skin areas due to its excellent skin tolerance and anti-irritation benefits.
How does Polysorbate 20 benefit a formulation in terms of solubilization?
Polysorbate 20 acts as a solubilizing agent for fat-soluble compounds and oily fragrances in continuous aqueous mediums. This makes it highly effective in formulations requiring the mixing of oil-soluble ingredients into water-based solutions, ensuring a stable and homogenized product.
Why is Polysorbate 20 considered suitable for sensitive skin applications?
Polysorbate 20 is preservative-free and exhibits excellent skin tolerance, even in sensitive areas such as around the eyes. It also provides anti-irritation benefits in mixed surfactant systems, lowering the irritation potential of formulations. These characteristics make it an excellent co-surfactant for gentle applications, such as in baby care products.
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