Polysorbate, in its original form, is a harmless sorbitol (sugar alcohol). For it to be included in personal care products, however, it's treated with 20 parts of ethylene oxide. Thus the name polysorbate 20.
The resulting ingredient is used as an emulsifier (mixing oil and water). Polysorbate 20 is an ingredient in baby oil, cosmetic creams, cream deodorant, lotions, and sun lotion.
Also known as TWEEN20, Polysorbate 20 is a great "inbetweener" for other emulsifiers to help cover a wide range of oil in water (o/w) and water in oil (w/o) emulsions. It is highly effective in water alone to help essential oils solubize and avoid the need to shake water and essential oil products before use. It can also be used as a viscosity modifier.
Please note that Polysorbate 20 can make emulsions appear somewhat hazy with a yellow tint. It is recommended that sprays made with Polysorbate be stored in opaque or amber glass packaging to diguise any potential color variation.
Ingredient Highlights
Category: Additive, emulsifier, surfactant
Ingredient Function: Emulsifier
Used in: Lotions, creams, serums, conditioners, shampoos, soaps, scrubs and polishes, cleansers, exfoliants, toners, room sprays, gels, color cosmetics
Solubility: Water soluble
Appearance: Pale yellow clear to hazy viscous liquid
Odor: Mild characteristic odor
Production Information
Derived From: Sorbitan, Monododecanoate, Poly(Oxy-1,2-Ethanediyl) Derivatives, Water, 1,4-Dixoane, Oxirane, Hydrogen Peroxide
Part(s) Used: N/A
Preserved With: No preservative
Country of Origin: USA
Method of Extraction: Ethoxylation with ~ 20 moles of ethylene oxide
Processing: Ethoxylation
India
