POLYSORBATE 40- ▸ Emulsification: Oil-in-water nonionic emulsifier
- ▸ Stabilizing: Stabilizes emulsions and dispersions
- ▸ Wetting & dispersing: Surface-tension reduction and oil dispersion
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 40 (CAS 9005-66-7) is a nonionic surfactant of sorbitan, palmitic acid, and about twenty ethylene-oxide units. It serves as an emulsifier, surface-active agent, and stabilizer in food, cosmetic, and industrial formulations. Polysorbates are established emulsifiers and surfactants across these sectors.
Applications of Polysorbate 40
| Sector | Use |
|---|---|
| Food & beverage | Emulsifier and stabilizer (food-additive designation E434) in bakery, dairy and emulsified foods. |
| Personal care & cosmetics | An oil-in-water emulsifier and solubilizer for creams, lotions and oil-soluble actives. |
| Pharmaceutical & life science | A nonionic excipient (solubilizer/emulsifier) for oral and topical formulations. |
| Industrial | Emulsifier, wetting agent and dispersant in coatings, textile and agrochemical systems. |
HLB and grade selection
Polysorbate 40 has an HLB of ~15.6, 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 monopalmitate, HLB ~6.7): 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 40, and what is it derived from?
Polysorbate 40 (CAS 9005-66-7) is a nonionic surfactant built from sorbitan, palmitic acid, and about twenty ethylene-oxide units. The palmitic-acid component is the fatty-acid portion that distinguishes it from other polysorbate grades.
What is polysorbate 40 used for?
It serves as an oil-in-water nonionic emulsifier, a stabilizer for emulsions and dispersions, and a wetting and dispersing agent. It is applied across food, cosmetic, and industrial formulations.
What is the difference between polysorbate 40 and polysorbate 20 or 60?
The grades differ by their fatty-acid chain: polysorbate 20 uses lauric acid, 40 uses palmitic acid, and 60 uses stearic acid, all with about twenty ethylene-oxide units. Choose the grade by the fatty-acid chain length and emulsion behavior your formulation needs.
Is an NF grade of polysorbate 40 available, and what documentation comes with it?
This material is offered as NF grade. Request the NF grade documentation with your order, along with the batch CoA and SDS.
What is the HS code and bulk packaging for polysorbate 40?
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.