What is Polysorbate 20 and how does it compare across the polysorbate series?
Polysorbate 20 (CAS 9005-64-5) is a nonionic surfactant: polyoxyethylene-20 sorbitan monolaurate. Built on the shortest fatty acid in the series (lauric, C12), it is the most hydrophilic, highest-HLB grade, favored as a water-soluble solubilizer and O/W emulsifier for fragrances and light oils. Higher grades move to longer or unsaturated acids: 40 (palmitic), 60 (stearic), 80 (oleic) and the trioleate 85. Bulk quantities are sourced to specification.
POLYSORBATE 21- ▸ Solubilization: Solubilizes fragrances and oil-soluble actives into aqueous bases
- ▸ Emulsification: High-HLB oil-in-water nonionic emulsifier
- ▸ Wetting & dispersing: Lowers surface tension and disperses oils
- ▸ Stabilizing: Surface-active stabilizer in formulated products
| Grade | Fatty acid | Ester | CAS No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polysorbate 20 you are here | Lauric (C12) | Mono | 9005-64-5 |
| Polysorbate 40 | Palmitic (C16) | Mono | 9005-66-7 |
| Polysorbate 60 | Stearic (C18) | Mono | 9005-67-8 |
| Polysorbate 80 | Oleic (C18:1) | Mono | 9005-65-6 |
| Polysorbate 85 | Oleic (C18:1) | Tri | 9005-70-3 |
How to choose: All grades are nonionic surfactants built on the same polyoxyethylene-20 sorbitan backbone and differ only in the esterified fatty acid, which sets the HLB and the oils they best emulsify. The mono-esters 20 (lauric), 40 (palmitic), 60 (stearic) and 80 (oleic) are water-soluble O/W emulsifiers and solubilizers — shorter and saturated acids give higher HLB, longer chains suit waxes and solid fats. The trioleate grade 85 carries three oleate chains, making it the most lipophilic, lowest-HLB member for co-emulsification. For a low-HLB partner, see the matching non-ethoxylated sorbitan esters.
HLB system: how to choose an emulsifier · Sorbitan esters (Span-type): low-HLB partners · Browse all products
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →Polysorbate 20 (CAS 9005-64-5) is a nonionic surfactant of sorbitan, lauric acid, and roughly twenty ethylene-oxide units. Its high hydrophile-lipophile balance makes it an emulsifier, solubilizer, wetting agent, and dispersant in food, cosmetic, and industrial formulations. Polysorbates are established surface-active agents and emulsifiers across these sectors.
Applications of Polysorbate 20
| Sector | Use |
|---|---|
| Personal care & cosmetics | A mild oil-in-water solubilizer and emulsifier for fragrances, essential oils and oil-soluble actives in micellar waters, toners, sprays and aqueous cleansers, valued for its gentleness. |
| Food & beverage | Emulsifier and solubilizer (food-additive designation E432) in flavor and vitamin emulsions, dressings and beverages. |
| Pharmaceutical & life science | A nonionic excipient used to solubilize and stabilize actives and flavors in oral and topical formulations. |
| Industrial | Wetting agent, dispersant and emulsifier in cleaning, textile and agrochemical formulations. |
HLB and grade selection
Polysorbate 20 (sorbitan monolaurate, CAS 9005-64-5) has an HLB of ~16.7, so it is hydrophilic and water-soluble and builds oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. To dial in a target emulsion HLB it is commonly paired with the lipophilic sorbitan ester (sorbitan monolaurate, HLB ~8.6): the water-soluble polysorbate and the oil-soluble sorbitan ester together set the system HLB for a stable emulsion. Grades range from multicompendial pharmaceutical (NF / USP / EP) and food (FCC) to technical/industrial, with kosher and halal certification available; match the grade and compendial status to your application and jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HLB of Polysorbate 20?
Its HLB is about 16.7, the most hydrophilic of the common polysorbates, making it an effective water-soluble solubilizer for small amounts of oil, fragrance or essential oil in clear aqueous systems.
Polysorbate 20 vs Polysorbate 80 — which should I use?
Polysorbate 20 (monolaurate, HLB ~16.7) is milder and is the usual choice for solubilizing fragrances and essential oils in personal care; Polysorbate 80 (monooleate, HLB ~15) is a broader O/W emulsifier for food, pharma and industrial emulsions. Select by HLB target and the actives being emulsified.
Is Polysorbate 20 the same as a solubilizer?
Yes — it is most often used as a solubilizer, carrying small amounts of oil, fragrance or essential oil into a clear water-based system, as well as a mild O/W emulsifier.
What grades of Polysorbate 20 are available?
Pharmaceutical/multicompendial (NF / USP / EP), food (FCC), and technical grades, with kosher and halal certification available. Confirm the grade and compendial status for your application and jurisdiction.
What is polysorbate 20 derived from?
Polysorbate 20 (CAS 9005-64-5) is a nonionic surfactant built from sorbitan, lauric acid, and roughly twenty ethylene-oxide units. The lauric-acid component is the fatty-acid portion that distinguishes it from other polysorbate grades.
What is polysorbate 20 used for?
Its high hydrophile-lipophile balance makes it an emulsifier, solubilizer, wetting agent, and dispersant in food, cosmetic, and industrial formulations. It is commonly used to solubilize fragrances and oil-soluble actives into aqueous bases.
What grade certifications are available for this polysorbate 20?
This grade is offered as NF, FCC, and Kosher. Request the corresponding grade documentation and Kosher certificate with your order, along with the batch CoA and SDS.
What is the HS code for polysorbate 20?
It classifies under HS 3402.42 (non-ionic organic surface-active agents). Confirm the destination tariff line and documentation requirements with our team before export.
What packaging and minimum order quantities are available for bulk polysorbate 20?
It is typically supplied in drums, totes, or IBCs. Send your target volume and packaging preference for a bulk quote, and we will confirm availability along with the CoA, SDS, and grade certificates.