Polysorbate 80

Polysorbate 80 is a is an emulsifier that is used in a wide variety of cosmetic formulations, especially liquid formulations with oils added, such as essential oils. It is also a non-ionic surfactant. Also known as TWEEN80, it is a great inbetweener for other hydrophobic emulsifiers to help cover a wide range of oil in water and water in oil emulsions.

It is somewhat stronger than Polysorbate 20, but can be a little darker in color, and therefore cause some discoloration in your products. Polysorbates can make a final product somewhat hazy as well, with Polysorbate 80 tending to make products hazier than Polysorbate 20. We highly recommend storing any products made with Polysorbates in an opaque or amber glass container to disguise any potential color variation in your product.

Ingredient Highlights

• Category: Additive, emulsifier, surfactant
• Ingredient Function: Emulsifier
• Used in: Lotions, creams, serums, conditioners, shampoos, soaps, scrubs and polishes, cleansers, exfoliants, toners, room sprays, gels, color cosmetics
• Solubility: Water soluble
• Appearance: Clear pale yellow liquid
• Odor: Mild characteristic odor to nearly odorless

Production Information

• Derived From: Corn, coconut, palm, some synthetic origins
• Part(s) Used: Corn derived esters of sorbitol, anhydrides from fatty acids, primarily lauric derived from coconut or palm
• Preserved With: No preservative
• Country of Origin: USA
• Method of Extraction: Ethoxylation with ~ 20 moles of ethylene oxide
• Processing: Ethoxylation

Pro Tips

• A non-ionic, low foam surfactant that can be used as a dispersant as well as a solubizer of oil or fragrance.
• A water soluble emusifier perfect for adding essential oils to room sprays, toners, and perfumes.
• A stronger alternative to Polysorbate 20.

Using Polysorbates in DIY Cosmetics

DIY Perfume/Cologne Recipe with Polysorbate 80

Make Your Own Essential Oil Room Spray with Polysorbate 80

This product is vegan.

Lead times vary for 55 gallons and up. Learn More