Tween-60 is an oil/water-type emulsifier. It is soluble in 40°C water, organic solvents, and insoluble in oil. HLB value is 14.9. The Tween-60 emulsifier is also called Polysorbate 60. The ethoxylation of sorbitan produces it.
Sorbitan is the dehydrated form of sorbitol, a sugar alcohol naturally found in some fruits. Ethoxylation is a chemical reaction in which ethylene oxide is added to a substrate, such as sorbitan.
Sorbitan is reacted with 60 units of ethylene oxide, hence the 60 in the ingredient name. The final step is reacting with fatty acids from vegetable fats and oils, such as lauric acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, or oleic acid.
In addition to its function in cosmetics, polysorbate 60 can be used to prepare various products in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
9005-67-8
C64H126O26
Item | Index |
---|---|
Appearance | Yellow paste |
Acid value | 2mgKOH/g Max. |
Saponification value | 40-55mgKOH/g |
Hydroxyl value | 81-96mgKOH/g |
Water | 3.0% Max. |
Tween-60 is used as an emulsifier in food, medicine, plastic, and cosmetics. Tween-60 is also used as a softener for fiber processing.
As a surfactant, polysorbate 60 lowers the surface tension between two substances, such as a liquid or a solid. A surfactant molecule contains one end that is hydrophilic or attracted to water and one end that is lipophilic or attracted to oil.
This allows surfactants to attract and suspend oils, dirt, and other accumulated impurities on the skin and wash them away. Due to these properties, polysorbate 60 can be found in many different cleansers, shampoos, and body washes.
Polysorbate 60 is often used as an emulsifier in formulations containing water and oil components. However, mixing water and oil-based ingredients can be difficult as they often separate and split.
To address this problem, an emulsifier like polysorbate 60 can be added to improve a product’s consistency, enabling an even distribution of topical skincare benefits.
A solubilizer helps other ingredients dissolve in a solvent they would not normally dissolve. Specifically, polysorbate 60 helps disperse oil in water instead of water in oil. Therefore, Polysorbate 60 is an excellent solubilizer for essential oils.
In 200kg iron drum/plastic drum.
Handle with care. Tween-60 should be stored in a cool, dry, and draughty place. Shelf life is two years. Tween-60 can still be used if qualified after re-check.
Tween-60, emulsifier T60, polysorbate 60.
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