What is Polysorbate 85 and how does it compare across the polysorbate series?
Polysorbate 85 (CAS 9005-70-3) is polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate. Carrying three oleate esters rather than one, it is the most lipophilic, lowest-HLB grade in the polysorbate series, used as a co-emulsifier and W/O-leaning partner rather than a standalone O/W emulsifier like Polysorbate 80. It shares the ethoxylated-sorbitan chemistry of the mono-ester grades (20, 40, 60, 80). Bulk quantities are sourced to specification.
POLYSORBATE 85- ▸ Emulsification: Low-HLB nonionic emulsifier for lipid-rich and water-in-oil systems
- ▸ Dispersing: Disperses oils and oil-soluble components
- ▸ Stabilizing: Surface-active stabilizer in formulated products
| 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 | Oleic (C18:1) | Mono | 9005-65-6 |
| Polysorbate 85 you are here | 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 85 (CAS 9005-70-3) is a nonionic surfactant of sorbitan, three oleic-acid chains, and ethylene-oxide units. Its low hydrophile-lipophile balance suits it to emulsification, dispersing, and stabilizing in cosmetic, food, and industrial formulations. Polysorbates are established emulsifiers and surfactants across these sectors.
Applications of Polysorbate 85
| Sector | Use |
|---|---|
| Agrochemical | An adjuvant, emulsifier and wetting agent in crop-protection and spray formulations. |
| Industrial | Emulsifier in lubricant, metalworking-fluid and emulsion-polymerization systems. |
| Personal care & cosmetics | An emulsifier and dispersant for oil-rich systems where a lower-HLB polysorbate is wanted. |
| Food & beverage | Emulsifier (E436) in selected emulsified foods. |
HLB and grade selection
Polysorbate 85 has an HLB of ~11.0, 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 trioleate, HLB ~1.8): 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 85 used for?
Its low hydrophile-lipophile balance suits it to emulsification of lipid-rich and water-in-oil systems, dispersing of oils and oil-soluble components, and surface-active stabilizing in formulated cosmetic, food, and industrial products.
What is the difference between Polysorbate 85 and Polysorbate 80?
Both are sorbitan-based ethoxylated nonionic surfactants, but Polysorbate 85 is the trioleate with a low HLB (better for water-in-oil and lipid-rich systems), while Polysorbate 80 is the monooleate with a high HLB (better for oil-in-water emulsions and solubilization).
What CAS number is Polysorbate 85?
Polysorbate 85 is CAS 9005-70-3, family nonionic surfactants. It classifies under HS 3402.42 (organic surface-active agents, non-ionic). Request the CoA and SDS to confirm lot specifications.
What is the cost of bulk Polysorbate 85?
Pricing varies with volume, packaging (drums, totes/IBCs), and grade. Send a bulk RFQ with quantity and packaging requirements for a current quote with CoA and SDS; we do not publish list prices.