Polysorbate 40 – Food Grade E434

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Overview

  • Chemical Nature
    Polysorbate 40, chemically described as polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate, is a hydrophilic non-ionic surfactant with a typical HLB value of 15.6.
  • Appearance & Specs
    Lemon-yellow to orange oily liquid or semi-gel at 25°C  |  Typical HLB: 15.6
  • ★ Primary Application (Food/Bakery)
    Texture Improver.Oil-in-Water Emulsifier. Used in permitted food formulations to support emulsification, dispersion and product consistency. Suitability and use level depend on the food category and destination-market regulations.
  • Cosmetics Use
    Functions as an emulsifier, dispersant and solubilizer in oil-in-water lotions, creams and selected hair-care formulations.
  • Certifications
    Vegetable-origin grade. Kosher and Halal documentation is available on request.
KOSHER CERTIFICATION
halal certification
HALAL CERTIFICATION
China Quality Mark Certification
Quality Certified
DCI certification
ISO 9001

Molecular Structure

  • Structural Components
    Hydrophilic Segment: Polyoxyethylene chain comprising approximately 20 ethylene oxide units attached to the sorbitan core.
    Hydrophobic Moiety: Palmitate ester derived from palmitic acid.
  • ★ Mechanism of Action
    The polyoxyethylene region provides hydrophilicity, while the palmitate ester provides affinity for the oil phase. This amphiphilic structure supports oil-in-water emulsification, dispersion and solubilization.

Specifications

Polysorbate 40 combines a balanced hydrophilic–lipophilic structure, making it effective for emulsifying systems with moderate oil content. The following are typical quality control parameters.
Test ItemUnitMin ValueMax Value
Saponification Value mg KOH/g4152
Hydroxyl Value mg KOH/g90107
Acid Value mg KOH/g≤2
Water Content——≤3%
1,4-Dioxanemg/kg≤5
Ethylene Oxidemg/kg≤0.2
Ethylene Glycols——≤0.25%
Leadmg/kg≤2

Applications

  • Food, Personal Care and Industrial Formulations
    Polysorbate 40 is a hydrophilic non-ionic surfactant used mainly for oil-in-water emulsification, dispersion and solubilization. Food use must comply with the permitted categories and maximum levels of the destination market.
  • ★ Food Emulsion Systems
    For grades conforming to E434 specifications, Polysorbate 40 may be used where E432–E436 are permitted, including specified fine bakery wares, desserts and other authorized emulsion systems. Application performance should be confirmed in the finished formulation.
  • Cosmetic Formulations
    Used as an emulsifier, dispersant and solubilizer in lotions, creams, hair-care products and fragrance-containing formulations.
  • Industrial Formulations
    May also be evaluated in colour materials, emulsion-polymerization systems, agrochemical adjuvants and water-based metalworking fluids.
High-HLB O/W Emulsification

With a typical HLB of 15.6, Polysorbate 40 supports oil-in-water emulsification in compatible food, cosmetic and specialty formulations.

Oil-Phase Dispersion

Helps disperse compatible oil-phase ingredients into aqueous systems under appropriate formulation and processing conditions.

Flexible Emulsifier Blending

Can be combined with compatible low-HLB emulsifiers to adjust the overall HLB balance and optimize selected emulsion systems.

Versatile Formulation Support

Suitable for evaluation in permitted food applications, personal care products and selected industrial formulations, subject to grade and regulatory requirements.

Sponge cake representing E434 use in permitted fine bakery formulations
Oil-in-water cosmetic cream formulated with Polysorbate 40 emulsifier
Whipped dessert topping representing Polysorbate 40 in an aerated food emulsion

Storage & Package

    • Storage Conditions
      Store Polysorbate 40 (E434) 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.

    • Transportation
      Transport in securely sealed, chemical-compatible containers to prevent leakage, contamination, or packaging damage. Protect the product from excessive heat and unsuitable handling conditions. Verify the shipping classification against the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and applicable transport regulations.

    • Standard Packaging
      Polysorbate 40 (E434 / Tween 40) 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 Information
    Confirm 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
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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