What is Polysorbate 60 and how does it compare across the polysorbate series?
Polysorbate 60 (CAS 9005-67-8) is polyoxyethylene-20 sorbitan monostearate, a nonionic O/W emulsifier. Its saturated C18 (stearic) chain makes it well matched to solid fats, waxes and stearate systems, and it is commonly paired with a low-HLB co-emulsifier such as sorbitan stearate. It is more lipophilic than Polysorbate 20 and 40 and shares the POE-20 sorbitan backbone of the series. Bulk quantities are sourced to specification.
POLYSORBATE 61- ▸ Emulsification: Nonionic emulsifier for creams, lotions, and food systems
- ▸ Stabilizing & thickening: Stabilizes and bodies emulsions
- ▸ Textile & leather: Lubricant and finish emulsifier in manufacturing
- ▸ Surface activity: General-purpose surface-active agent
| Grade | Fatty acid | Ester | CAS No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polysorbate 20 | Lauric (C12) | Mono | 9005-64-5 |
| Polysorbate 40 | Palmitic (C16) | Mono | 9005-66-7 |
| Polysorbate 60 you are here | 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 60 (CAS 9005-67-8) is a nonionic surfactant of sorbitan, stearic acid, and about twenty ethylene-oxide units. Per FDA and ECHA references it is used as an emulsifier, surface-active agent, stabilizer or thickener, and flavoring agent in foods, in cosmetics, and as a lubricant and finish emulsifier in textile and leather manufacture. It also serves as a laboratory reagent.
Applications of Polysorbate 60
| Sector | Use |
|---|---|
| Food & beverage | Emulsifier and stabilizer (E435) in bakery, whipped toppings, icings, ice cream and non-dairy creamers; commonly paired with the corresponding sorbitan ester. |
| Personal care & cosmetics | A workhorse O/W emulsifier for stearate-based creams and lotions, typically co-emulsified with sorbitan monostearate. |
| Pharmaceutical & life science | A nonionic excipient (solubilizer/emulsifier) for topical creams and oral formulations. |
| Industrial | Emulsifier and stabilizer in coatings, lubricant and textile systems. |
HLB and grade selection
Polysorbate 60 has an HLB of ~14.9, 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 monostearate, HLB ~4.7): 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 polysorbate 60 derived from?
Polysorbate 60 (CAS 9005-67-8) is a nonionic surfactant built from sorbitan, stearic acid, and about twenty ethylene-oxide units. The stearic-acid component is the fatty-acid portion that distinguishes it from other polysorbate grades.
What is polysorbate 60 used for?
Per FDA and ECHA references it is used as an emulsifier, surface-active agent, stabilizer or thickener, and flavoring agent in foods and cosmetics, and as a lubricant and finish emulsifier in textile and leather manufacture. It also serves as a laboratory reagent.
What grade certifications are available for this polysorbate 60?
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 difference between polysorbate 60 and polysorbate 40 or 20?
The grades differ by fatty acid: polysorbate 60 uses stearic acid, 40 uses palmitic acid, and 20 uses lauric acid, each with about twenty ethylene-oxide units. Select by the chain length and the emulsification or thickening behavior your formulation requires.
What is the HS code and bulk packaging for polysorbate 60?
It classifies under HS 3402.42 (non-ionic organic surface-active agents) and typically ships in drums, totes, or IBCs. Send your target volume and packaging for a bulk quote, and we will confirm availability along with the CoA, SDS, and grade certificates.