Polysorbate 80
Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) is a yellow, syrupy non-ionic surfactant used to mix small amounts of oil into water. Makers use it to solubilise essential and fragrance oils in room sprays, toners, bath products and linen mists, and as an emulsifier in creams, food (food grade only) and lab work.
अंतिम अपडेट 7 नव॰ 2026
विवरण
- CAS नंबर
- 9005-65-6
- ग्रेड
- Cosmetic
प्रोडक्ट और पैक साइज़
| प्रोडक्ट | ग्रेड | पैक | दाम (GST सहित) | ₹ प्रति kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) | Cosmetic | — | ₹199 | — |
What is polysorbate 80?
Polysorbate 80 is made by reacting sorbitan oleate (from sorbitol and oleic acid) with ethylene oxide. The result has an oil-loving end and a long water-loving chain, so it wraps tiny oil droplets and lets them disperse clearly in water. Tween 80 is a well-known trade name.
- CAS number: 9005-65-6
- Appearance: amber to yellow, thick, oily liquid
- HLB value: about 15, which suits oil-in-water systems
- Solubility: mixes with water, ethanol and many oils
- Food additive number: E433 (food grade only)
It does not foam much and is fairly gentle, which is why it turns up in toners and facial mists as well as room sprays.
Grades and pack sizes at Azlok
Azlok lists Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) in its cosmetic raw ingredients range, for room spray, toner, bath product and cosmetic makers. The pack size is on the product page. It is not labelled food grade. See today's price per kg.
Common uses
- Home fragrance: room sprays, linen mists and reed diffuser water bases
- Cosmetics: toners, facial mists, bath oils that disperse in water, and as a co-emulsifier in creams
- Lab: dispersing oils and particles in water-based tests and cultures
- Food and pharma (approved grades only): emulsifier in some foods and medicines
How to use it
The key is to mix polysorbate 80 with the oil first, then add water slowly.
| Use | Typical oil to polysorbate 80 ratio |
|---|---|
| Essential or fragrance oil in room spray | 1:1 to start; go to 1:3 or 1:4 if it stays cloudy |
| Dispersible bath oil | roughly 5 to 20% of the oil blend |
| Co-emulsifier in creams | about 1 to 5% of the formula |
Room spray example. Mix 5 ml fragrance oil with 5 ml polysorbate 80 until clear, then stir in about 90 ml distilled water slowly. If it looks milky, add a little more polysorbate. A water-based spray still needs a preservative if you want it to last. Patch test any skin product for 24 hours.
Finished cosmetics sold in India need to meet BIS and CDSCO requirements, so if you sell what you make, keep batch records and check the rules that apply to your product.
Safety and storage
- Low hazard in normal handling, but avoid getting it in your eyes; rinse with water if you do.
- It foams when shaken hard, so stir rather than shake large batches.
- Spills are very slippery; wipe up with paper and then soapy water.
- Store tightly closed, away from heat and sunlight. Over time it can darken slightly; that does not usually affect use.
- Keep away from children.
Choosing the right grade and pack
For a few batches of room spray, a small pack lasts a long time. Home fragrance and toiletry units can buy larger packs, since the ratios mean you use as much polysorbate as fragrance. For food or medicine you need a properly certified food or pharma grade. For 25 kg and above, use the bulk inquiry form.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
- How much Tween 80 do I need for essential oil in water?
- Start with equal amounts of oil and polysorbate 80, mixed together before adding water. If the spray stays cloudy, increase the polysorbate to 2, 3 or 4 parts per part of oil. Citrus and heavy oils usually need more.
- Why is my room spray cloudy even with polysorbate 80?
- Usually there's not enough polysorbate for the amount of oil, or water was added too fast. Mix oil and polysorbate first until clear, then add water slowly while stirring. Hard tap water can also cause haze, so use distilled water.
- Is polysorbate 80 the same as Tween 80?
- Yes. Tween 80 is a trade name for polysorbate 80. Both refer to polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate, CAS 9005-65-6. Different makers sell it under their own trade names, so compare the specification sheet and CAS number rather than the brand name when switching suppliers.
- What is the difference between polysorbate 20 and polysorbate 80?
- Polysorbate 20 is made with lauric acid and is thinner, often chosen for light essential oils. Polysorbate 80 is made with oleic acid and handles heavier oils a bit better. Both work as solubilisers; test which gives a clearer result with your oils.
- Does a spray made with polysorbate 80 need a preservative?
- Yes, if it contains water and you plan to keep it beyond a few days. Polysorbate 80 is a solubiliser, not a preservative. Add a suitable broad-spectrum preservative at the supplier's recommended level.
- Can I use polysorbate 80 in a reed diffuser?
- Yes, for water-based diffuser blends it helps fragrance oil disperse in water. Mix the oil and polysorbate first, then add water slowly. Solvent-based diffusers do not need it, since the oil dissolves directly in the solvent.