Overview
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Chemical NatureHigh-purity, non-ionic surfactant and solubilizer derived from polyethoxylated sorbitan and lauric acid.
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HLB Value16.7
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Other Common Names & Synonyms• PEG(20) sorbitan monolaurate (IUPAC)
• Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate
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Appearance & SpecsClear liquid | Origin: 100% Vegetable-based
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★ Primary Application (Solubilizer)High Purity & Clarity. Exceptional for solubilizing essential oils in body mists, facial cleansers, and food flavorings without cloudiness.
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CertificationsKosher & Halal certified.
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Key FunctionsSolubilizer & Emulsifier.
KOSHER CERTIFICATION
HALAL CERTIFICATION
Quality Certified
ISO 9001
Molecular Structure
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Structural ComponentsHydrophilic Segment: Sorbitan backbone with approximately 20 ethylene oxide units introduced by ethoxylation.Hydrophobic Moiety: A single lauric acid ester group attached to the core.
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★ Mechanism of ActionStrong Hydrophilicity. The high degree of ethoxylation provides strong hydrophilic properties. This enables it to effectively stabilize Oil-in-Water (O/W) emulsions and act as an efficient solubilizer for aroma oils and lipophilic substances.
Specifications
Due to its structural characteristics, Polysorbate 20 exhibits strong hydrophilicity, high stability, and excellent emulsifying properties. It is widely used in food systems where effective dispersion of flavor oils and stable emulsions are required. The following typical specifications are derived from standard product quality parameters.
| Test Item | Unit | Min Value | Max Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| HLB value | —— | 16.7 | |
| Saponification Value | mgKOH/g | 40 | 50 |
| Hydroxyl Value | mgKOH/g | 96 | 108 |
| Acid Value | mgKOH/g | — | 2 |
| Moisture | % | — | 3 |
| Ignition Residue | w% | — | 0.25 |
| Ethylene Oxide | % | 70 | 74 |
| Lead | mg/kg | — | 2 |
Applications
Polysorbate 20 is the industry standard solubilizer for clear, water-based formulations. Unlike heavier emulsifiers, its lauric acid base makes it exceptionally light and non-sticky.
- Fragrance Solubilization: Disperses essential oils and perfume concentrates into water for crystal-clear room sprays and body mists.
- Personal Care: Acts as a mild, non-irritating surfactant in baby shampoos, facial cleansers, and wet wipes.
- Food : Used as a wetting agent in flavor drops and vitamin supplements (E432).
Fragrance & Essential Oil Solubilization
Helps incorporate compatible fragrance oils and essential oils into water-based formulations. Clarity depends on the oil composition and solubilizer ratio.
High-HLB O/W Emulsification
With a typical HLB value of 16.7, Polysorbate 20 supports oil-in-water emulsification and dispersion in compatible formulations.
Versatile Formulation Compatibility
Suitable for evaluation in personal care, fragrance, cleaning and permitted food formulations, depending on product grade and regulatory requirements.
Flexible Surfactant Blending
Can be combined with compatible surfactants to adjust solubilization, emulsification and dispersion performance in selected systems.
Storage & Package
- Storage ConditionsStore Polysorbate 20 (E432) in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, and incompatible materials. Keep containers tightly sealed to minimize moisture exposure, oxidation, and contamination. Follow the supplier’s recommended storage temperature and shelf-life conditions.
- TransportationTransport in securely sealed, chemical-compatible containers to prevent leakage, contamination, or packaging damage. Protect the product from excessive heat and unsuitable handling conditions. Verify shipping classification against the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and applicable transport regulations.
- Standard PackagingPolysorbate 20 (E432 / Tween 20) is supplied in securely sealed, chemical-compatible containers suitable for viscous liquid surfactants. Depending on product grade and supplier availability, packaging options may include:
- 25 kg — PE Drum
- 200 kg — Drum
- 1000 kg — IBC Tote
- ★ Packaging & Shipping InformationConfirm Before Ordering.
Packaging availability, net weight, storage recommendations, and shipping requirements may vary by supplier and product grade. Please contact us for current packaging options, Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and shipment details.
25 Kg /drum
200kg/drum
