Polysorbate 61 – Low-EO Stearate Emulsifier

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Overview

  • Chemical Nature
    Polysorbate 61, also described as polyoxyethylene (4) sorbitan monostearate or PEG-4 sorbitan stearate, is a non-ionic surfactant containing an average of approximately four oxyethylene units.
  • Appearance & HLB
    Pale-yellow to tan waxy solid or paste at 25°C  |  Typical HLB: 9.6
  • ★ Primary Function
    Water-Dispersible Emulsifier and Co-emulsifier. Its intermediate HLB can help formulators adjust the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of oil-in-water emulsions. The appropriate emulsifier blend and use level should be confirmed through formulation and stability testing.
  • Application Scope
    Used in cosmetic emulsions and evaluated in industrial systems such as coatings, color dispersions, emulsion polymerization, agrochemical adjuvants and water-based metalworking fluids.
  • Regulatory Positioning
    Position this product for cosmetic and industrial formulations. It should not be presented as an E-number food additive.
KOSHER CERTIFICATION
halal certification
HALAL CERTIFICATION
China Quality Mark Certification
Quality Certified
DCI certification
ISO 9001

Molecular Structure

  • Structural Components
    Hydrophilic Region: Short polyoxyethylene chains containing an average of approximately four oxyethylene units.
    Hydrophobic Region: Stearate ester groups derived from stearic acid form the lipophilic portion of the surfactant.
    Sorbitan-Derived Core: Sorbitol-derived anhydride structures connect the polyoxyethylene chains and stearate ester groups.
  • ★ Interfacial Function
    Intermediate Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance. The polyoxyethylene chains interact with the aqueous phase, while the stearate groups associate with the oil phase. This amphiphilic structure supports adsorption at oil-water interfaces. With a typical HLB of 9.6, Polysorbate 61 is water-dispersible and less hydrophilic than Polysorbate 60.

Specifications

The values below are common commercial reference specifications for Polysorbate 61. The final sales specification must be confirmed against the approved supplier TDS and the batch COA.

Test IndicatorUnitMin ValueMax Value
HLB value——9.6
Saponification ValuemgKOH/g95115
Hydroxyl ValuemgKOH/g165195
Acid ValuemgKOH/g-3
HLB--9.6

Applications

  • Personal Care and Industrial Formulations
    Polysorbate 61 is a water-dispersible non-ionic emulsifier with a typical HLB of 9.6. It may be used alone or in emulsifier blends, depending on the oil phase, processing conditions and required emulsion type.
  • ★ Cosmetic Emulsions
    Emulsifier and Co-emulsifier. Used in creams, lotions and related personal-care emulsions. Its contribution to viscosity, skin feel and physical stability depends on the complete emulsifier system and should be confirmed in the finished formulation.
  • Coatings and Color Dispersions
    May be evaluated as an emulsifier or dispersion aid in waterborne coatings, color materials and related surface-treatment formulations. Compatibility, particle stability and final-film performance should be tested in the complete system.
  • Water-Based Metalworking Fluids
    May be used as part of an emulsifier system for water-based metal-process cutting fluids. Emulsion stability, foam, corrosion control, microbial management and machining performance should be evaluated in the finished fluid.
  • Other Industrial Systems
    May also be evaluated in emulsion-polymerization systems, agrochemical adjuvants, textile emulsions and surface-coating antistatic formulations. Suitability must be confirmed for the intended process and destination market.
Intermediate HLB (9.6)

Provides a balanced hydrophilic–lipophilic profile for selected emulsion systems and emulsifier combinations.

Flexible Emulsifier Blending

Can be combined with compatible higher- or lower-HLB surfactants to adjust emulsification characteristics.

Stearate-Based Emulsification

Its stearate-derived lipophilic group supports interfacial activity in compatible oil-containing formulations.

Industrial Formulation Support

Suitable for evaluation in selected coatings, colorant dispersions, cosmetic emulsions and specialty industrial systems.

Polysorbate 61 used as an emulsifier and co-emulsifier in personal care cream formulations
Polysorbate 61 evaluated as an emulsifier and dispersion aid in waterborne coating systems
Polysorbate 61 used in emulsifier systems for water-based metalworking fluids

Storage & Package

    • Storage Conditions
      Store Polysorbate 61 in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and incompatible materials. Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent oxidation and contamination. Follow the supplier’s recommended storage temperature and shelf-life conditions.

    • Transportation
      Transport in securely sealed, chemical-compatible packaging to prevent leakage, contamination, or package 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 Packaging
      Polysorbate 61 (Tween 61) is supplied in securely sealed, chemical-compatible packaging suitable for its physical form and handling requirements. Depending on product grade and supplier availability, packaging may include PE drums, lined drums, or other approved containers.
      Please confirm available packaging formats and net weights before ordering.

  • ★ Packaging & Shipping Information
    Confirm Before Ordering.
    Packaging type, 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
1000kg IBC

Food-Grade Sorbitan and Polysorbate Solutions

Source food-grade sorbitan fatty acid esters and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters for bakery, dairy, beverage, confectionery, and other qualified food applications. Share the required grade or E-number, application, estimated quantity, destination port, and mandatory documents for an accurate quotation.

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