Polysorbate 20

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INCI Name: Polysorbate 20 Common Names: Polysorbate 20, Emulsifan, An effective and simple way to disperse essential oils into water. It is also moisturising and biodegradable. .sh g-rich-text ul { list-style-position: outside !important; } Benefits Product Benefits Disperses essential oils into water-based formulations Creates oil-in-water emulsions for lotions, sprays and serums Mild surfactant for sensitive skin products Biodegradable and eco-friendly Vegan and cruelty-free Compatible with multiple surfactants (anionic, cationic, amphoteric) Reduces irritation and allergic reaction for sensitive skin types Stabilises emulsions and texture Facial cleansers with low foaming needs, minimises skin irritation Soluble in water and alcohol Palm, corn and wheat derived, non-GMO sources Flexible usage in skincare, haircare and perfumery products Wetting agent, blends oil and water ingredients Product Description Product Description Polysorbate 20 is a must have liquid in modern formulations. As a non-ionic surfactant it blends essential oils into water, creates emulsions without alcohol. Understanding the chemistry of Polysorbate 20 is important as it’s a common emulsifier in many skincare products. Its mildness allows you to soften the harshness of stronger surfactants, create products that feel gentle on the skin. It also reduces foam making it perfect for facial cleansers, micellar waters and other skincare products where minimal foaming is required. Repeated use of Polysorbate 20 especially for sensitive skin types can cause skin irritation. Whether you’re making a luxurious facial mist, a hydrating body lotion or a hair conditioner with essential oils, Polysorbate 20 is the key to a smooth, stable and professional product. Key Features of Polysorbate 20 Essential Oil Solubiliser Polysorbate 20 allows you to combine essential oils easily into water-based products, it’s a favourite for perfume sprays, facial toners and micellar cleansers. It’s highly effective in blending essential or fragrance oil into various formulations. Also it’s an essential ingredient in room spray formulations to ensure even distribution of scent. Gentle Skincare Its non-ionic nature minimises irritation, perfect for delicate facial cleansers, baby care products and sensitive skin formulas. Polysorbate 20 also has soothing properties that makes it good for sensitive skin formulas. Safety Considerations Polysorbate 20 is considered a low hazard ingredient in cosmetic products but can cause skin irritation or allergic reaction in some individuals. Use Polysorbate 20 in moderate amounts and follow recommended concentration guidelines to minimise skin irritation. High concentration of Polysorbate 20 can cause irritation so always do a patch test when introducing new products with this ingredient. How to use it How to Use Skin Care It is moisturising for the skin when used at the lower percentages. At 10%, it starts to feel sticky on the skin. It is soothing to irritated skin and is an excellent lubricant which is ideal for shaving oils. Excellent as a soft emulsifier for cleansing gels and makeup removers for sensitive skin. A good solubiliser and stabiliser for essential oils so they can be used in facial toners, water based air fresheners, body sprays and alcohol free deodorants. Improves the glide and softens the skin. Helps cleaners to rinse off the face more easily. Use to solubilise essential oils and fragrance oils in perfumes. Depending on the blend used, the finished spray may be cloudy. As a co-emulsifier, it is best used to emulsify very light oils such as those used to enhance body wraps. Hair Care Can be used as a soft emulsifier for children's shampoos to give soft conditioning and moisturisation to the scalp. Other Use 2% to 10% as a stabiliser or co-emulsifier when combined with Cetearyl Alcohol. Use at a ratio of 1:1 when solubilising light essential oils for use in a water based spray. If your essential oils are heavier eg Vetiver, Patchouli etc use more Polysorbate 20 and leave the mixture to sit for longer while it solubilises. The amount needed will vary so try increasing it 1% at a time until you find the best amount for your blend. Soluble in water, oil and alcohol. Polysorbate 20 is not suitable for use with Preservative Eco as it can deactivate benzoic acid, sorbic acid and benzyl alcohol. Use at room temperature. Note that it can change the viscosity of emulsions and make creams or lotions thinner. There are times when this can be an advantage. INCI / Ingredients INCI / Ingredients INCI Name: Polysorbate 20 Origin: Palm, corn and wheat derived but chemically processed and classed as synthetic. Appearance: Viscous liquid, clear to yellow, faint characteristic odour. Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol. Compatible: With anionic, cationic and amphoteric surfactants. Previously sold under the name: Emulsifan. Regulatory Status Regulatory Status The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has evaluated Polysorbate 20 and deemed it safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating. Formulation Tips Formulation Tips When formulating products with Polysorbate 20 it’s important to consider its HLB value and choose other ingredients that are compatible with it. As a nonionic surfactant Polysorbate 20 can be combined with other surfactants to create a stable and effective emulsifier. Typically used at 1-5% depending on the application. Also be aware of the ethoxylation process and the potential for contamination with 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen. Always aim for a balanced formulation to ensure both efficacy and safety. Storage & Shelf life Storage & Shelf Life Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The expiration date is printed on the packaging. Ensure lids are tightly sealed after each use to preserve product quality. Why buy from Aromantic Why Buy from Aromantic? When you shop with Aromantic you receive high quality, ethically sourced ingredients for personal care formulators and DIY crafters. We offer: Fast, worldwide shipping Carefully sourced raw materials Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free options Expertly packaged products for safe delivery Dedicated customer support to help you along the way At Aromantic we empower you to create effective, beautiful, sustainable products without relying on expert endorsements, just quality ingredients and trusted service. FAQ's FAQs What is the HLB value of Polysorbate 20? Polysorbate 20 has an HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance) value of 16.7; it’s great for oil-in-water emulsions. Can I use Polysorbate 20 with all essential oils? Yes, it’s compatible with most essential oils. However, some heavier oils might require a bit more Polysorbate 20 for clear solutions. Does Polysorbate 20 affect foam in surfactant formulations? Yes, it tends to reduce foam, which can be good in products like facial cleansers where too much foam is undesirable. Is Polysorbate 20 natural? Polysorbate 20 is plant-derived but chemically processed through ethoxylation, so it’s classified as synthetic rather than purely natural. This makes it a functional emulsifier that’s still based on natural sources. How is Polysorbate 20 different from Polysorbate 80? Polysorbate 20 is better for dispersing essential oils and light fragrance oils, while Polysorbate 80 is for heavier oils like carrier oils. Can Polysorbate 20 be used in food products? Our Polysorbate 20 is for cosmetic use only and not for food applications. Is Polysorbate 20 vegan and cruelty-free? Yes! Our Polysorbate 20 is vegan and never tested on animals. What is the SAP value of Polysorbate 20? It has a SAP (Saponification) value between 40–50. Recipes & Blends Combine with any of the oil based CO2 Extracts to make them usable in a facial toner. Click on the links below to be directed to great recipes featuring Polysorbate 20: Oat So Soothing After Shave Gelée Room Spray Technical Documents Here is a link to all non-batch-specific documents for this product: Link to Technical Documents If you have any questions about the documents or need the Certificate of Analysis (COA) for a product that you have received, please request that here. Pairs well with Related Products / Pair with EcoSilk MB (Isoamyl Laurate) – Add silkiness and sensory feel to your formulations. Vegetable Glycerin – Natural humectant for moisturising skin and hair products. Rose Hydrolat (Rose Water) – Beautiful floral water base for sprays and toners. Show more