What is Polysorbate 80 and how does it compare across the polysorbate series?
Polysorbate 80 (CAS 9005-65-6) is polyoxyethylene-20 sorbitan monooleate, the most widely used grade in the series. Its unsaturated C18:1 (oleic) chain stays liquid and makes it a general-purpose O/W emulsifier, wetting agent and solubilizer. Unlike the trioleate grade (Polysorbate 85), it carries a single oleate ester on the POE-20 sorbitan backbone shared across the series. Bulk quantities are sourced to specification.
POLYSORBATE 81- ▸ Emulsification: High-HLB oil-in-water nonionic emulsifier
- ▸ Solubilization: Solubilizes oils, flavors, and oil-soluble actives
- ▸ Stabilizing: Surface-active stabilizer in emulsions and dispersions
- ▸ Wetting & dispersing: Reduces surface tension and disperses oils
| Grade | Fatty acid | Ester | CAS No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polysorbate 20 | Lauric (C12) | Mono | 9005-64-5 |
| Polysorbate 40 | Palmitic (C16) | Mono | 9005-66-7 |
| Polysorbate 60 | Stearic (C18) | Mono | 9005-67-8 |
| Polysorbate 80 you are here | 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 80 (CAS 9005-65-6) is a nonionic surfactant of sorbitan, oleic acid, and about twenty ethylene-oxide units. It functions as an emulsifier, solubilizer, surface-active agent, and stabilizer in food, cosmetic, and industrial formulations. Polysorbates are established emulsifiers and surfactants across these sectors.
Applications of Polysorbate 80
| Sector | Use |
|---|---|
| Food & beverage | Emulsifier and stabilizer (food-additive designation E433) in ice cream, frozen desserts, whipped toppings, sauces, dressings and non-dairy creamers, improving texture, aeration and shelf stability. |
| Pharmaceutical & life science | A common nonionic excipient used as a solubilizer and emulsifier for poorly water-soluble actives in oral, topical and parenteral formulations, and as a stabilizer in biologic and protein formulations. |
| Personal care & cosmetics | An oil-in-water emulsifier and solubilizer for fragrances, essential oils and oil-soluble actives in lotions, creams, micellar waters and cleansers. |
| Industrial | Emulsifier in emulsion polymerization, an agrochemical adjuvant and wetting agent, and an emulsifier in textile, metalworking and lubricant systems. |
HLB and grade selection
Polysorbate 80 (sorbitan monooleate, CAS 9005-65-6) has an HLB of ~15.0, 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 monooleate, HLB ~4.3): 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 80?
Its HLB is about 15, so it is hydrophilic and water-soluble and forms oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. For a target emulsion HLB it is commonly paired with a lipophilic sorbitan ester such as the corresponding sorbitan ester.
Polysorbate 80 vs Polysorbate 20 — what is the difference?
Polysorbate 80 is the sorbitan monooleate ester (HLB ~15); Polysorbate 20 is the monolaurate ester (HLB ~16.7) and is milder, favored for fragrance and essential-oil solubilizing in personal care. Both are water-soluble nonionic surfactants; the fatty-acid chain and HLB drive the choice.
Is Polysorbate 80 oil- or water-soluble?
It is water-soluble and water-dispersible and oil-dispersible, which is why it works as an O/W emulsifier and as a solubilizer that carries small amounts of oil phase into water.
What grades of Polysorbate 80 are available?
Pharmaceutical/multicompendial (NF / USP / EP / JP), food (FCC), and technical/industrial grades, with kosher and halal certification available. Confirm the grade and compendial status required for your application and jurisdiction.
What is Polysorbate 80 used for?
Polysorbate 80 (CAS 9005-65-6) is a high-HLB nonionic surfactant used as an oil-in-water emulsifier, solubilizer, wetting agent, and stabilizer. It solubilizes oils, flavors, and oil-soluble actives and stabilizes emulsions and dispersions across food, cosmetic, and industrial formulations.
What is Polysorbate 80 made from?
It is derived from sorbitan esterified with oleic acid and ethoxylated with roughly twenty ethylene-oxide units, giving the polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate structure. The high ethylene-oxide content is what makes it a high-HLB, water-dispersible nonionic surfactant.
What grade is the FCC designation?
FCC refers to Food Chemicals Codex compendial specifications. We supply Polysorbate 80 FCC against its CoA and SDS; request both to confirm the grade and lot specifications meet your application before purchase.
What is the cost of bulk Polysorbate 80?
Bulk pricing depends on volume, packaging (pails, drums, totes/IBCs), and grade. Submit a bulk RFQ with your target quantity and packaging and we will quote current pricing with CoA and SDS; we do not list fixed prices.