Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) in Food & Pharmaceutical Formulations
A high-HLB nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer, Tween 80 stabilizes oil-in-water systems across food, cosmetics and pharma — where purity, low acid value and batch consistency decide compliance.
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The Tween (polysorbate) family spans T-20 to T-80, all high-HLB water-soluble emulsifiers.
A Hydrophilic O/W Emulsifier & Solubilizer
Polysorbate 80, commonly known as Tween 80, is a nonionic surfactant made by ethoxylating sorbitan mono-oleate. With an HLB of about 15, it is fully water-soluble and excels at forming stable oil-in-water emulsions.
Recognised as food additive E433 and used as a pharmaceutical excipient, Tween 80 pairs naturally with oil-soluble Span esters to hit a target required HLB — the basis of most food and pharma emulsion systems.
Tween (Polysorbate) Grades
Grades differ by the fatty-acid ester and ethoxylation, giving a range of HLB values for O/W emulsification.
| Grade | Ester | HLB | Sap. Value (mgKOH/g) | Acid Value | Moisture |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-20 | Laurate | 16.5 | 35-50 | ≤2.0 | ≤3% |
| T-40 | Palmitate | 15.5 | 40-55 | ≤2.0 | ≤3% |
| T-60 | Stearate | 14.5 | 40-55 | ≤2.0 | ≤3% |
| T-80 | Oleate | 15 | 40-50 | ≤2.0 | ≤3% |
For food or pharmaceutical use, specify the appropriate grade (e.g. meeting E433 / USP-NF / EP requirements) and request full documentation.
Food, Cosmetic & Pharmaceutical Roles
In food, Tween 80 emulsifies flavour oils and vitamins, stabilises ice cream and sauces, and improves texture. In cosmetics, it solubilises fragrance and essential oils into clear aqueous systems.
In pharma, it acts as an emulsifier and solubilizer for poorly water-soluble actives in oral, topical and injectable-grade preparations — always at the purity and grade the application demands.
Three Core Functions
Stabilises oil-in-water emulsions — the workhorse role in food sauces, creams and lotions.
Brings fragrance and essential oils into clear aqueous solution above its critical micelle concentration.
Improves wetting of powders and disperses actives evenly in liquid systems.
Quality & Compliance Notes
⚠ Match the grade to the regulation
Food, cosmetic and pharma each require a defined grade; confirm E433 / USP-NF / EP compliance and request the COA.
⚠ Watch acid value & peroxides
Oxidation raises acid value and peroxide content; specify low-peroxide material for sensitive actives and store cool, sealed.
⚠ Confirm batch consistency
A shift in saponification or acid value changes effective HLB; insist on traceable batch data.
⚠ Antioxidant protection
For long shelf life, formulate with antioxidants and avoid prolonged heat and air exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tween 80 safe as a food emulsifier?
Polysorbate 80 is approved as food additive E433 and is widely used to emulsify and stabilise foods. Use food-grade material meeting the relevant specification and request documentation.
What is the HLB of Polysorbate 80?
About 15, making it a hydrophilic surfactant suited to oil-in-water emulsification and solubilization.
Can I use Tween 80 with Span 80?
Yes. Blending high-HLB Tween 80 with low-HLB Span 80 lets you dial in a target required HLB; see our Span 80 & Tween 80 HLB guide.
What is the difference between Tween 20, 60 and 80?
They differ in the fatty acid esterified to sorbitan — laurate (T-20), stearate (T-60), oleate (T-80) — giving slightly different HLB and application fit.
Is Polysorbate 80 water-soluble?
Yes, it is fully water-soluble, unlike the oil-soluble Span esters it is often paired with.
Need Food- or Pharma-Grade Polysorbate 80?
Tell us your application and required specification — we will recommend the right grade with TDS/COA and documentation for your compliance review.
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10+ years in surfactant formulation optimization and chemical export at Kemaix, supporting global industrial clients with stable, field-ready surfactant systems.
Kemaix Specialty Chemicals · Nonionic Surfactants & EO/PO Derivatives · sales@kemaix.com