Polysorbate 20

Description

Polysorbate 20 is a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier, typically a yellowish, oily liquid, used in various products like cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and foods. It’s known for its ability to blend oil and water, making it a useful emulsifying and solubilizing agent. It also acts as a wetting agent, helping ingredients spread and mix. In biological research, it’s used as a washing agent in immunoassays.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Key Properties:
Surfactant:
Polysorbate 20 reduces surface tension, allowing oil and water to mix.
Emulsifier:
It stabilizes emulsions, preventing oil and water from separating in products like lotions and creams.
Solubilizer:
It helps dissolve ingredients that are not typically soluble in water, such as fragrances and essential oils.
Wetting Agent:
It improves the spreading and penetration of liquids, making it useful in products like mouthwashes and skin toners.
Common Uses:
Cosmetics:
Found in face washes, body lotions, hair sprays, and makeup due to its emulsifying, solubilizing, and spreading properties.
Pharmaceuticals:
Used as an excipient to stabilize emulsions and suspensions in medications.
Food:
Employed as a wetting agent in flavored drops and other food products