Polysorbates

What polysorbates are

Polysorbates are ethoxylated sorbitan esters: a sorbitan fatty-acid ester further reacted with ethylene oxide. Polysorbate 20 (laurate), 40 (palmitate), 60 (stearate) and 80 (oleate) are the familiar types, with EO content typically around 20 moles on the sorbitan ester. They are hydrophilic nonionic emulsifiers and solubilisers. Dyna Glycols manufactures them to agreed SAP, hydroxyl value, acid value, pH and colour.

The combination of a sorbitan core, a fatty-acid tail and a polyoxyethylene chain gives strong oil-in-water emulsification and the ability to solubilise fragrances, essential oils and some actives. They are used with the corresponding sorbitan esters (low HLB) as matched pairs, and on their own as solubilisers in water-based systems.

How Dyna Glycols manufactures polysorbates

Sorbitan esters are ethoxylated on the alkoxylation plant to the target EO content. QA covers identity (SAP, hydroxyl, acid value), water, pH, colour and appearance. The same site manufactures the parent sorbitan esters so a matched SPAN/TWEEN-type pair can be supplied from one source.

Oleate (polysorbate 80 type), stearate (60), palmitate (40) and laurate (20) are the standard fatty acids. Custom EO levels or mixed cuts are available when a specification is not a textbook 20-mole grade.

Typical grades in this range

The types below follow the usual fatty-acid naming. Confirm the exact SAP and hydroxyl window on the TDS.

• Polysorbate 20 type — sorbitan laurate ethoxylate
• Polysorbate 40 type — sorbitan palmitate ethoxylate
• Polysorbate 60 type — sorbitan stearate ethoxylate
• Polysorbate 80 type — sorbitan oleate ethoxylate
• Other moles and mixed fatty-acid polysorbates on request

Where polysorbates are used

Pharmaceuticals, vitamins and personal care use polysorbate 80 and 20 as solubilisers and emulsifiers. Food-adjacent emulsions use selected types where ethoxylated sorbitan esters are permitted. Flavour and fragrance houses use them to bring oils into water.

Agro formulations, textile auxiliaries and industrial cleaners use polysorbates as hydrophilic emulsifiers, often with a sorbitan ester as the lipophilic partner. Paints and inks may use them as wetting aids when the system is compatible.

Matched pairs (for example sorbitan oleate plus polysorbate 80) let the formulator walk HLB across an oil phase without changing the fatty-acid family. Dyna Glycols can sample both halves together.

How to specify polysorbates

Name the type (20, 40, 60, 80 or the fatty acid), any pharmacopoeia-style tests, and colour or odour limits. For solubiliser duty, name the oil to be solubilised.

If the formula already uses a named sorbitan ester, specify that pair so the ethoxylated half can be matched in fatty acid and in documentation.

Quality, documents and supply

Polysorbates are released against SAP, hydroxyl, acid value, water, pH and colour as specified. SDS and COA follow verification. Samples support solubilisation clarity and emulsion stability tests.

Store in closed containers. Some grades darken with heat and air; avoid unnecessary drum heating. Follow the SDS for ethoxylated ester handling.

Practical notes on polysorbates

Polysorbate 80 is liquid and is the usual solubiliser for oleic and essential-oil phases. Polysorbate 60 is more pasty and is often chosen for creams that already contain stearate emulsifiers.

Acid value should be low for pale personal-care and many oral or topical-adjacent uses. Set a maximum on the purchase specification.

Polysorbates can peroxide on long storage. FIFO stock rotation and closed, cool storage protect both colour and odour.

They are not PEG-free. Customers who need a PEG-free claim should look at polyglycerates and glyceryl esters instead of polysorbates.

Clouding or splitting of a solubilised fragrance often means the HLB or the use level is wrong, not that the lot failed. Share the failed formula so a different type or a sorbitan co-emulsifier can be tried.

Dyna Glycols manufactures sorbitan esters in the Esters family. Ordering both from one plant simplifies COA matching and combined shipments.

Ordering and evaluating polysorbates

Send the application, the analytical window and the pack size when you request a laboratory sample of polysorbates. SDS, TDS and COA follow a short company check. Handle and store the grade as the SDS describes.