Polysorbate 20: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:02, 15 February 2025

Polysorbate 20[edit]

Chemical structure of Polysorbate 20

Polysorbate 20, also known as Tween 20, is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from polyethoxylated sorbitan and lauric acid. It is commonly used in the formulation of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products due to its ability to stabilize emulsions and enhance solubility.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Polysorbate 20 is a polyoxyethylene derivative of sorbitan monolaurate. It is characterized by its hydrophilic and lipophilic balance, which allows it to act as an effective emulsifier. The chemical formula of Polysorbate 20 is C₅₈H₁₁₄O₂₆.

Applications[edit]

Pharmaceuticals[edit]

In the pharmaceutical industry, Polysorbate 20 is used as an excipient in the formulation of injectable drugs, vaccines, and biopharmaceuticals. It helps to improve the solubility of active pharmaceutical ingredients and stabilize protein formulations.

Cosmetics[edit]

Polysorbate 20 is widely used in cosmetic products such as creams, lotions, and shampoos. It acts as an emulsifier, helping to blend oil and water-based ingredients, and as a solubilizer for essential oils and fragrances.

Food Industry[edit]

In the food industry, Polysorbate 20 is used as an emulsifier in products like ice cream, salad dressings, and sauces. It helps to maintain the texture and consistency of these products by preventing the separation of oil and water phases.

Safety and Regulation[edit]

Polysorbate 20 is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food products. However, it is important to adhere to regulatory guidelines regarding its concentration and usage in various applications.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Polysorbate 20''' is a [[surfactant]] and [[emulsifier]] often used in [[food industry|food]] and [[cosmetics industry|cosmetic]] products. It is a yellow, viscous liquid that is soluble in water and ethanol. It is produced by [[ethoxylation]] of [[sorbitan]] before the addition of [[lauric acid]].
+== Polysorbate 20 ==
-==Chemical Structure==
+[[File:Polysorbate_20.png|thumb|right|200px|Chemical structure of Polysorbate 20]]
-Polysorbate 20 is a [[polyoxyethylene]] derivative of sorbitan monolaurate. The number 20 in its name refers to the total number of [[oxyethylene]] groups found in the molecule. The chemical formula of Polysorbate 20 is C58H114O26.
-==Production==
+'''Polysorbate 20''', also known as '''Tween 20''', is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from polyethoxylated sorbitan and lauric acid. It is commonly used in the formulation of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products due to its ability to stabilize emulsions and enhance solubility.
-Polysorbate 20 is produced by the ethoxylation of sorbitan, which is derived from the [[dehydration]] of [[sorbitol]]. This is followed by the esterification with lauric acid, a [[fatty acid]] commonly found in coconut and palm kernel oils.
-==Uses==
+== Chemical Properties ==
-Polysorbate 20 is widely used in the food and cosmetics industries due to its emulsifying properties. It helps to mix oil and water, preventing them from separating. In the food industry, it is used as an emulsifier in ice creams, baked goods, and salad dressings. In cosmetics, it is used in lotions, creams, and makeup products.
-==Safety==
+Polysorbate 20 is a [[polyoxyethylene]] derivative of [[sorbitan monolaurate]]. It is characterized by its hydrophilic and lipophilic balance, which allows it to act as an effective emulsifier. The chemical formula of Polysorbate 20 is C<sub>58</sub>H<sub>114</sub>O<sub>26</sub>.
-Polysorbate 20 is generally considered safe for use in foods and cosmetics. However, it can cause skin irritation in some individuals, especially when used in high concentrations. It is recommended to perform a patch test before using products containing Polysorbate 20.
-==Regulation==
+== Applications ==
-In the United States, Polysorbate 20 is regulated by the [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA). It is listed as a food additive that is generally recognized as safe (GRAS). In the European Union, it is approved for use in food under the E number E432.
+=== Pharmaceuticals ===
+In the pharmaceutical industry, Polysorbate 20 is used as an excipient in the formulation of [[injectable drugs]], [[vaccines]], and [[biopharmaceuticals]]. It helps to improve the solubility of active pharmaceutical ingredients and stabilize protein formulations.
+=== Cosmetics ===
+Polysorbate 20 is widely used in [[cosmetic]] products such as [[creams]], [[lotions]], and [[shampoos]]. It acts as an emulsifier, helping to blend oil and water-based ingredients, and as a solubilizer for essential oils and fragrances.
+=== Food Industry ===
+In the food industry, Polysorbate 20 is used as an [[emulsifier]] in products like [[ice cream]], [[salad dressings]], and [[sauces]]. It helps to maintain the texture and consistency of these products by preventing the separation of oil and water phases.
+== Safety and Regulation ==
+Polysorbate 20 is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) for use in food products. However, it is important to adhere to regulatory guidelines regarding its concentration and usage in various applications.
+== Related Pages ==
-==See Also==
 * [[Polysorbate 80]]
-* [[Sorbitan monostearate]]
+* [[Emulsifier]]
-* [[Food additives]]
+* [[Surfactant]]
-* [[Emulsion]]
+* [[Sorbitan]]
+[[Category:Surfactants]]
 [[Category:Food additives]]
 [[Category:Cosmetic chemicals]]
-[[Category:Surfactants]]
-[[Category:Emulsifiers]]
-{{food-stub}}