Polysorbate 20 CAS 9005-64-5

Product Name: Polysorbate 20
English Alias: Tween 20; Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate
CAS Number: 9005-64-5
Molecular Formula: C₅₈H₁₁₄O₂₆ (approximate, varies with ethylene oxide units)
Molecular Weight: ~1227.5 g/mol (approximate)
Appearance: Yellow to amber viscous liquid
Package: 25 kg/drum, 50 kg/drum (HDPE plastic drum)

What is Polysorbate 20？

Polysorbate 20 is a nonionic surfactant derived from sorbitol and lauric acid, appearing as a yellow to amber viscous liquid with a characteristic mild odor. It is soluble in water, ethanol, and most organic solvents. As a polysorbate surfactant, it functions as an effective emulsifier, dispersant, and solubilizer, particularly for oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. It exhibits good stability, low toxicity, and excellent compatibility with various formulation ingredients.

A nonionic surfactant: A substance that reduces the surface tension between liquids, making it useful for mixing oil and water.

An emulsifier: Helps to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, preventing them from separating.

A solubilizer: Helps to dissolve ingredients that are not normally soluble in a liquid.

A wetting agent: Helps a liquid spread more easily over a surface.

COA (Certificate of Analysis):

Properties	Standard Value	Test Value
Appearance	Light yellow to yellow viscous liquid	Conforms
Colour Lovibond (R/Y)	≤ 1.5R 10Y	0.4R 4.1Y
Acid Value (mg KOH/g)	≤ 2.0	0.4
Saponification Value (mg KOH/g)	40 ~ 50	45.9
Hydroxyl Value (mg KOH/g)	96 ~ 108	102.4
Residue on Ignition (w/%)	≤ 0.25	0.2
Moisture (w/%)	≤ 3.0	1.9
Lead Pb (mg/kg)	≤ 2.0	< 2.0
Oxyethylene (w/%)	70.0 ~ 74.0	72.4
Test Results	Pass

Application:

Food Industry: Emulsifier in ice cream, dairy products, and bakery items

Cosmetics: Emulsifier and solubilizer in creams, lotions, and personal care products

Pharmaceuticals:

Used as an excipient to stabilize emulsions and suspensions in oral and injectable medications, and as a lubricant in eye drops.

Agrochemicals: Emulsifier and wetting agent in pesticide formulations

Cleaning Products: Surfactant in detergents and industrial cleaners

Safety Profile:

Polysorbate 20 is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food use and widely approved for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. May cause mild eye and skin irritation in concentrated form. Use appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves when handling. The substance is biodegradable and has low environmental impact. For detailed safety information, consult the full Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Storage Requirements:

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Keep containers tightly closed and sealed. Maintain storage temperature between 10-30°C. Protect from moisture and freezing.

Transport & Packaging:

Polysorbate 20 is packaged in HDPE plastic drums (25 kg or 50 kg net weight per drum). Transport as non-hazardous material under normal conditions. Ensure containers are properly sealed and protected from physical damage during transportation. Store away from strong oxidizing agents.