Polysorbate 80 - Polyoxyethylene 80 sorbitan monolaurate

Polysorbate 80

Polyoxyethylene 80 sorbitan monolaurate

Surfacare T80 (Tween 80)

Cosmetic & Technical Grade

CAS Number: 9005-64-5

EINECS number: 500-018-3

Synonyms: Polyoxyethylene 80 sorbitan fatty acid ester, Tween 80, Surfac T80

Polyoxyethylene 80 sorbitan monolaurate is a mild, nonionic surfactant. This product can be used as a surfactant for skin and hair cleansing products, a solubiliser for lipophilic oils and an emulsifier for O/W emulsions. This product is suitable for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications and complies with the current European Pharmacopoeia.

INCI - Polysorbate 80

What is Polysorbate 80 Used For?

1. Cosmetics & Personal Care

Very widely used as:

• Solubiliser for fragrance and essential oils in:

  • Body sprays and mists

  • Toners and micellar waters

  • Room / linen sprays

• Emulsifier in:

  • Creams and lotions (oil-in-water)

  • Serums and gels

• Dispersing agent for pigments in makeup and sunscreens.

It helps keep products clear, stable, and non-separating, especially when you’re trying to get a small amount of oil to stay dissolved in a water-heavy formula.

(See below for more information)

2. Household & Industrial Uses

• In cleaners and polishes as a mild surfactant / emulsifier.

• In agrochemical formulations to help wet and spread active ingredients.

• In inks and coatings as a dispersing and wetting agent.

3. Room sprays (water-based / low- or no-alcohol)

Role: Polysorbate 80 is your solubiliser – it helps dissolve fragrance or essential oils into a mostly water-based base so the product stays clear and doesn’t separate.

Typical usage: As a rule of thumb:

• Aim for about 1–4 parts Polysorbate 80 per 1 part fragrance oil.

• In the finished product, that often ends up around:

  • Fragrance: 3–10%

  • Polysorbate 80: 3–15%

  • Water / other solvents: balance

The exact ratio depends on how “tricky” the fragrance is. Citrus, spice and heavy resinous oils usually need more solubiliser.

How to mix

1. Pre-mix your fragrance oil + Polysorbate 80 until it looks uniform.

2. Slowly add your water phase (and/or DEGEE / DPG / alcohol if you’re using them), stirring gently.

3. Let it sit 24 hours and check:

   • Clarity (no clouding or separation)

   • No oil ring at the top

If it’s hazy → increase the Polysorbate 80 slightly or lower the fragrance load.

Note: at higher levels, Polysorbate 80 can leave a slightly “wet” or tacky feel on hard surfaces or fabric, so you may want to balance it with other solvents like DEGEE, DPG, or a little alcohol.