What is Polysorbate 80?
Polysorbate 80, commercially known as Tween 80, is a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier produced by the ethoxylation of sorbitan monooleate, derived from oleic acid. It is a pale yellow, oily liquid with an HLB value of 15, giving it strong oil-in-water emulsifying capability. It is one of the most extensively used and well-characterised surfactants in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries, with applications ranging from everyday food products to advanced vaccine formulations.
Polychem Industries supplies Polysorbate 80 in cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical grades to a wide range of manufacturers across India and internationally, including food and beverage companies, cosmetic formulators, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Its broad regulatory approval and extensive safety data make it a foundational ingredient across regulated industries.
Available Grades
| Grade | Form | Purity | Standard | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic / Food / Pharma Grade | Pale yellow viscous liquid | 99%+ active content | Cosmetic / FSSAI / USP / Ph. Eur. | Cosmetics, food emulsification, pharmaceuticals, vaccine adjuvants |
Applications & Uses
Food & Ice Cream Emulsification
Approved as a food additive (E433), Polysorbate 80 is one of the most widely used emulsifiers in ice cream and frozen desserts, improving texture, preventing ice crystal formation, and improving whip and overrun in frozen dessert manufacturing.
Pharmaceutical Formulations & Vaccines
A critical excipient in pharmaceutical and biotechnology formulations, used to stabilise proteins, emulsify oil-based components, and as an adjuvant component in certain vaccine formulations, helping maintain product stability and bioavailability.
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Used as an emulsifier and solubiliser in lotions, creams, hair conditioners, and cleansing products, helping disperse oils and active ingredients uniformly throughout water-based formulations.
Salad Dressings & Sauces
Used in salad dressings, sauces, and condiments as an emulsifier to maintain a stable, uniform mixture of oil and water-based ingredients, preventing separation during storage and shelf display.
Bakery Products
Used in baked goods including cakes, bread, and pastries to improve dough conditioning, crumb structure, and shelf life by emulsifying fats uniformly throughout the batter or dough.
Laboratory & Biotechnology
Used extensively in laboratory and biotechnology applications including cell culture media, protein stabilisation, and as a component in diagnostic test kits due to its compatibility with biological systems.
Technical Specifications
Polysorbate 80 — Key Properties
Why Source Polysorbate 80 from Polychem Industries?
- Cosmetic, Food, and Pharma Grade available with full documentation
- Pharma Grade meets USP / Ph. Eur. specifications
- FSSAI compliant Food Grade supply with Certificate of Analysis
- Reliable bulk supply for food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical manufacturers
- Competitive pricing with consistent year-round availability
- Export documentation experience for international shipments
