SORBITAN PALMITATE- ▸ Emulsification: Low-HLB nonionic emulsifier for water-in-oil and lipid-rich systems
- ▸ Dispersing: Disperses oils and oil-soluble components in formulated products
- ▸ Stabilizing: Surface-active stabilizer in cosmetic and industrial emulsions
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 →Polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate (CAS 26266-57-9), also called polysorbate 85, is a nonionic surfactant built from sorbitan, three oleic-acid chains, and ethylene-oxide units. Its low hydrophile-lipophile balance suits it to emulsification, dispersing, and stabilizing duty in cosmetic, food, and industrial formulations. Sorbitan-ester polysorbates are established surface-active agents and emulsifiers across these sectors.
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 247-568-8
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sorbitan trioleate / polysorbate 85 used for?
Polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate (CAS 26266-57-9), also called polysorbate 85, is a low-HLB nonionic surfactant used for emulsification of water-in-oil and lipid-rich systems, dispersing oils and oil-soluble components, and stabilizing emulsions. It is applied across cosmetic, food, and industrial formulations.
What is polysorbate also known as?
Polysorbates are sorbitan-ester surfactants identified by number; this grade, polysorbate 85, is the trioleate. Its formula is C22H42O6-based on a sorbitan backbone with three oleic-acid chains plus ethylene-oxide units.
What is another name for polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate?
The monooleate is polysorbate 80, a separate, higher-HLB grade. The trioleate offered here is polysorbate 85; confirm the grade by CAS and number when ordering, since HLB and use differ between them.
Why does polysorbate 85 have a low HLB?
Its three oleic-acid chains make it more lipophilic than mono-ester polysorbates, lowering the hydrophile-lipophile balance. That low HLB suits it to water-in-oil and lipid-rich emulsion duty rather than high-HLB oil-in-water solubilization.
What packaging and documentation are available for bulk polysorbate 85?
Nonionic polysorbate surfactants ship in drums, totes, or IBCs. Request a bulk quote with your target volume and packaging, and we will provide availability along with the CoA and SDS.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Trioleate (Polysorbate 85)?
Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Trioleate (Polysorbate 85) (CAS 26266-57-9) is subject to U.S. TSCA Inventory requirements; supplying it into the EU requires valid REACH registration ((EC) No 1907/2006). RawSource cannot verify a third-party supplier's registrations — buyers should require documented TSCA and REACH compliance for their jurisdiction and volume (EC 247-568-8).