Tween (Polysorbates)
Nonionic emulsifiers • polysorbates • emulsifiers
Use note: polysorbates are prone to oxidation; control peroxide
value (PV) with fresh stock, nitrogen blanketing, and antioxidants
where permitted. Pre‑dissolve in warm water or glycerin; combine
with a low‑HLB co‑emulsifier (e.g., sorbitan ester) for robust O/W
systems.
Form
viscous liquid (amber to pale yellow)
HLB (typical)
PS20 ≈ 16.7 • PS40 ≈ 15.6 • PS60 ≈ 14.9 • PS80 ≈ 15.0
Solubility
freely soluble in water • ethanol • glycerin
Typical dosage*
0.1–1.0% (food) • 0.01–1% (pharma/care)
*Observe local regulations and pharmacopeial monographs for
permitted uses/levels. Specs below are representative; shipped
goods conform to COA for the lot.
| Parameter | Typical | Spec |
|---|---|---|
| HLB | ≈ 16.7 | — |
| Acid value | ≤ 2 mg KOH/g | ≤ 2.0 mg KOH/g |
| Peroxide value | ≤ 10 meq/kg | ≤ 10 meq/kg |
| Water | ≤ 3.0% | ≤ 3.0% |
| Appearance | pale yellow viscous liquid | conforms |
| Applications | flavors, beverages, sprays | — |
| Parameter | Typical | Spec |
|---|---|---|
| HLB | ≈ 15.6 | — |
| Acid value | ≤ 2 mg KOH/g | ≤ 2.0 mg KOH/g |
| Peroxide value | ≤ 10 meq/kg | ≤ 10 meq/kg |
| Water | ≤ 3.0% | ≤ 3.0% |
| Appearance | yellow viscous liquid | conforms |
| Applications | bakery creams, sauces | — |
| Parameter | Typical | Spec |
|---|---|---|
| HLB | ≈ 14.9 | — |
| Acid value | ≤ 2 mg KOH/g | ≤ 2.0 mg KOH/g |
| Peroxide value | ≤ 10 meq/kg | ≤ 10 meq/kg |
| Water | ≤ 3.0% | ≤ 3.0% |
| Appearance | amber viscous liquid | conforms |
| Applications | creams, whipped toppings | — |
| Parameter | Typical | Spec |
|---|---|---|
| HLB | ≈ 15.0 | — |
| Acid value | ≤ 2 mg KOH/g | ≤ 2.0 mg KOH/g |
| Peroxide value | ≤ 10 meq/kg | ≤ 10 meq/kg |
| Water | ≤ 3.0% | ≤ 3.0% |
| Appearance | amber viscous liquid | conforms |
| Applications | pharma solubilizer, vaccines (grade‑specific) | — |
| Applications | Packaging | Storage & Handling |
|---|---|---|
|
• O/W emulsions: beverages, sauces, creams, lotions.
• Solubilization: essential oils, flavors, actives (pharma grade per monograph). • Wetting/dispersion aid in syrups and suspensions. |
• 25 kg pails • 200 kg drums • 900–1000 kg IBCs.
• Small packs for R&D and QC. |
• Non‑DG. Store cool (15–30 °C), dry, sealed; protect from
light/air. Nitrogen blanket recommended for opened
containers.
• Warm gently (≤ 40 °C) to reduce viscosity; avoid overheating. Monitor PV; rotate stock FIFO. |
Regulatory: Food/pharma/personal care permissions and impurities
(e.g., EO/1,4‑dioxane) are grade‑specific; buyer must confirm
local compliance.