Polysorbate 80 (INCI: Polysorbate 80, also known as polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate) is a widely used non-ionic emulsifier and surfactant. Its job is simple: it helps ingredients that don’t naturally mix, like oil and water, bind together more evenly. It’s also a strong solubiliser for essential oils and fragrance oils in water-based formulations.
If you’ve ever mixed oils into water and ended up with separation, oily floaters, or colour and fragrance clinging to the side of the container, Polysorbate 80 is one of the standard tools formulators use to improve stability, dispersion, and overall finish.
What it’s commonly used for
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Body washes and shower gels
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Shampoos and hair products
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Lotions and creams (as part of an emulsifier system)
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Bath oils and bath products
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Bath bombs (helps disperse colour and oils in the water)
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Soaps and cosmetic cleansing products
Why makers like it
Polysorbate 80 helps disperse oils and colourants through bath water, instead of letting them sit on the surface or stick to the tub. That means:
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Less “ring” around the bath
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Less oily residue
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Reduced slip risk from surface oils
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Easier clean-up after rinsing
How to use it
Polysorbate 80 is usually blended with your fragrance, essential oils, or oily additives first, then mixed into the water phase. The ratio depends on what you’re trying to disperse and whether you need clarity or just good dispersion.
Ratio (starting point):
2:1 to 6:1 Polysorbate 80 : oil (by weight)
If you want a clearer, more stable result, you typically need more Polysorbate 80. If a slight haze is acceptable, you may need less. Always test small batches and stability-check over time.
What it is made from
Polysorbate 80 is made from polyethoxylated sorbitan (derived from sorbitol, a sugar alcohol), combined with ethylene oxide and oleic acid (a fatty acid found in animal and vegetable fats). In finished products it acts as an emulsifier, solubiliser, wetting agent, stabiliser and dispersing aid.
Product handling notes
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Amber/golden viscous liquid
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Mixes more easily with gentle warming if needed (often not necessary)
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Store sealed, in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight
Important compliance note (UK/EU)
Polysorbate 80 is a raw material. Final product compliance depends on your full formula, intended use, labelling, and applicable regulations. Always make sure your finished product is compliant for its use category.
Key features
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Safe, non-ionic emulsifier and surfactant
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Excellent solubiliser for essential oils and fragrance oils
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Works as a wetting agent, stabiliser, viscosity modifier, and dispersing agent
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Can be used with co-emulsifiers (e.g., lecithin) to broaden emulsion flexibility
Specification
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INCI: Polysorbate 80
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Also known as: Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monooleate
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Function: Non-ionic emulsifier / surfactant; solubiliser; dispersing agent
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Appearance: Amber/golden viscous liquid
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Solubility: Dispersible in water; helps solubilise oils into water-based systems
If you tell me your typical customer use-case (bath bombs vs room sprays vs skincare), I’ll tighten the copy to lean hard into that buyer intent and remove anything that doesn’t help conversions.
FAQ
Q: Is Polysorbate 80 an emulsifier?
A: It can behave as both a solubiliser and an emulsifying surfactant. For small amounts of oil in mostly water-based products, it’s often used as a solubiliser. For heavier oil phases, you’ll usually need a properly designed emulsifier system.
Q: What ratio should I use?
A: Start testing around 2:1 to 6:1 (Polysorbate 80 : oil) by weight, then adjust for clarity and stability. Some oils need more than you expect.
Q: Can I use it with essential oils?
A: Yes, it’s commonly used to help disperse essential oils into water-based formulations. Always test for stability and suitability in your final product, and keep your EO usage within safe, compliant limits for the product type.
| Size |
50ml, 100ml, 250ml, 500ml, 1000ml, 5kg |
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