Polysorbate 80, chemically named polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate, is a non-ionic surfactant belonging to the Tween series of emulsifiers. It is synthesized via the ethoxylation reaction of sorbitan monooleate with ethylene oxide. Combining both hydrophilic and lipophilic properties, it exhibits excellent emulsifying, solubilizing, dispersing, and stabilizing capabilities, making it a widely used ingredient in the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics, and other industrial sectors.

Core Characteristics

Appearance and Solubility

At room temperature, it is a pale yellow to orange-yellow viscous liquid with a slight characteristic odor. It is readily soluble in polar solvents such as water, ethanol, and methanol, and can be dispersed in non-polar solvents like mineral oil and vegetable oil, forming a transparent solution upon dissolution.

HLB Value and Emulsifying Performance

With an HLB value of approximately 15.0, it is a high HLB emulsifier primarily used for preparing oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. It effectively reduces the interfacial tension between oil and water phases, enabling the formation of stable and homogeneous emulsions.

Stability and Compatibility

It has stable chemical properties and is not easily hydrolyzed in weak acidic, weak alkaline, or neutral environments. It demonstrates good compatibility with most cationic, anionic, and non-ionic surfactants and additives, with few compatibility issues.

Safety Profile

Recognized by authoritative institutions, it is mild and low-irritating to the human body when used within specified concentrations. It is listed as a food additive in the food industry and can serve as a pharmaceutical excipient in the pharmaceutical field, complying with the standards of pharmacopoeias worldwide.

Main Application Fields

1. Pharmaceutical Industry

This is one of the core application areas of Polysorbate 80, where it is widely used as a pharmaceutical excipient.

Injectable Emulsifier/Solubilizer: It is used for solubilizing or emulsifying fat-soluble drugs (such as vitamins, antibiotics, and active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicines), helping water-insoluble drugs disperse in aqueous injection solutions to improve drug bioavailability. It is commonly found in intravenous and intramuscular injection preparations.

Oral Formulation Adjuvant: In oral liquids and suspensions, it acts as an emulsifier and stabilizer to prevent the sedimentation of drug particles, improving the uniformity and taste of the formulations. In capsules and tablets, it can serve as a solubilizer to enhance drug dissolution rates.

Topical Formulation Ingredient: Used in creams, ointments, gels, and other external products as an emulsifier to adjust product texture and enhance the spreadability and permeability of drugs on the skin surface.

2. Food Industry

As a food additive (permitted for use under China’s National Standard GB 2760-2014), it mainly functions as an emulsifier, dispersant, and stabilizer.

Beverages and Dairy Products: In fruit juices, plant protein drinks, ice cream, cream, and other products, it prevents oil-water separation and ice crystal growth, improving the smooth taste and stability of products. In chocolate milk and cocoa beverages, it promotes the uniform dispersion of cocoa powder.

Baked Goods and Confectionery: In baked foods such as cakes and bread, it improves the gas retention of dough, resulting in a fluffy texture of finished products. In candies and chocolates, it acts as an emulsifier to prevent oil blooming, enhancing product gloss and taste.

Condiments and Canned Foods: It stabilizes the oil-water system in salad dressings and mayonnaise to avoid stratification. In canned foods, it can serve as a dispersant to ensure uniform distribution of ingredients.

3. Cosmetics and Daily Chemical Industry

It is commonly used in various skincare products, color cosmetics, and cleaning products.

Skincare Products: In creams, lotions, and serums, it acts as an emulsifier to build stable O/W systems, making products light and non-greasy. It also enhances the solubility and skin absorption efficiency of active ingredients (such as vitamin C and plant extracts).

Color Cosmetics: In liquid foundations, eyeshadows, and lipsticks, it serves as a dispersant to evenly disperse pigments, improving product color payoff and long-wearing properties, while enhancing product spreadability.

Hair and Body Care Products: In shampoos and body washes, it acts as an emulsifier and foam booster, assisting cleaning ingredients in their functions, reducing product irritation to skin and scalp, and improving user experience.

4. Other Industrial Fields

Agricultural Chemicals Industry: As an emulsifier and wetting agent for pesticides, it helps disperse pesticide active ingredients in water to form stable spray solutions, improving the adhesion and permeability of pesticides on crop surfaces and enhancing efficacy.

Textile Industry: Used as a fabric softener and antistatic agent to improve fabric hand feel, reduce static electricity generation, and enhance textile processing efficiency.

Usage Notes

Although Polysorbate 80 has high safety, long-term contact with high concentrations may cause mild irritation to the skin and mucous membranes of some people. It is recommended to wear gloves and goggles during industrial operations.

Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and high temperatures to prevent oxidative deterioration.

In pharmaceutical injections, strict compliance with pharmacopoeia standards is required to control purity and avoid adverse effects on medication safety caused by impurities.