What is Polysorbate 20?
Polysorbate 20, commercially known as Tween 20, is a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier produced by the ethoxylation of sorbitan monolaurate. It is a pale yellow to amber, oily liquid with excellent emulsifying, solubilising, and dispersing properties. With a high HLB value of 16.7, it is strongly hydrophilic, making it particularly effective for oil-in-water emulsions and for solubilising small amounts of oils, flavours, and fragrances into aqueous systems.
Polychem Industries supplies Polysorbate 20 in cosmetic and food grades to personal care formulators, food and beverage manufacturers, and pharmaceutical companies across India and internationally. Its mildness, FDA/FSSAI approval status, and versatility make it one of the most widely used emulsifiers across multiple regulated industries.
Available Grades
| Grade | Form | Purity | Standard | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic / Food Grade | Pale yellow viscous liquid | 99%+ active content | Cosmetic / FSSAI / USP | Cosmetics, food emulsification, pharmaceuticals, flavour solubilisation |
Applications & Uses
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Widely used as an emulsifier and solubiliser in lotions, creams, serums, and cleansing products. Its mildness makes it suitable for sensitive skin formulations, and it is frequently used to solubilise essential oils and fragrances into water-based products.
Food & Beverage Emulsification
Approved as a food additive (E432) used to emulsify oils into water-based food products including flavour emulsions, ice cream, whipped toppings, and beverage formulations, providing stable, uniform dispersion of oil-based ingredients.
Pharmaceutical Formulations
Used as a solubiliser and emulsifier in oral and topical pharmaceutical formulations, helping disperse poorly water-soluble active ingredients and improve bioavailability in certain drug delivery systems.
Fragrance & Essential Oil Solubilisation
Used to solubilise essential oils and fragrance oils into water-based products such as room sprays, linen sprays, and aromatherapy mists, allowing clear, stable aqueous solutions without visible oil separation.
Laboratory & Diagnostic Applications
Used as a wetting agent and blocking reagent in laboratory and diagnostic test formulations, including in biological assays such as ELISA, due to its mild, non-denaturing properties with proteins.
Hair Care Products
Used in conditioners, hair serums, and styling products to emulsify silicones and oils into water-based formulations, improving product spreadability and uniform application.
Technical Specifications
Polysorbate 20 — Key Properties
Why Source Polysorbate 20 from Polychem Industries?
- Cosmetic and Food Grade available with full quality documentation
- FSSAI compliant Food Grade supply with Certificate of Analysis
- Mild, skin-friendly formulation suitable for sensitive applications
- Reliable bulk supply for cosmetic and food manufacturers
- Competitive pricing with consistent year-round availability
- Export documentation experience for international shipments
