Polysorbate 20

Polysorbate 20 suppliers and sourcing guide

Polysorbate 20 is a nonionic surfactant made by reacting lauric acid with sorbitol to form sorbitan esters, then ethoxylating them with ethylene oxide. It is a pale yellow liquid with a higher water affinity than polysorbate 80. It is used mostly to solubilize fragrance and essential oils in cosmetics and in flavor preparations, and in pharmaceutical and lab applications.

See suppliers What to ask for on the COA

Category: Gums, emulsifiers and thickeners
Also known as: polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate · Tween 20 · PEG-20 sorbitan laurate · E432
Facts checked: November 2026

Forms and grades of polysorbate 20

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

Cosmetic grade
Sold by INCI name Polysorbate 20 to solubilize fragrance and essential oils in water-based products.
Food or flavor grade (FCC)
For use in flavor preparations where permitted.
Pharmaceutical grade (USP-NF, Ph. Eur.)
High-purity and low-peroxide versions for drug products.
Vegetable-sourced
Made from plant-derived lauric acid (coconut or palm kernel) for kosher, halal or vegan requirements.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Saponification, acid and hydroxyl numbers: Titration values checked against FCC or pharmacopeial ranges.
Oxyethylene content: Assay of the ethylene oxide portion.
Water content: By Karl Fischer titration.
Residual ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane: By headspace gas chromatography.
Peroxide value and heavy metals: Peroxide value by titration; lead and other metals by ICP-MS.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store polysorbate 20 in tightly closed containers away from light, heat and air. It oxidizes during storage, so keep headspace small and close containers promptly. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, usually as a retest date.

Lots and expiry dates

Record peroxide value and color per lot, and check fragrance clarity when changing lots in cosmetic formulas. Document the fatty acid source for vegan or halal claims.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

21 CFR 172.515 lists polysorbate 20 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate) among synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants that may be used in food.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
21 CFR 178.3400 lists polysorbate 20 among emulsifiers and surface-active agents permitted in making food-contact articles, with set specifications.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists polysorbate 20 with technical effects that include emulsifier or emulsifier salt and surface-active agent.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Polysorbate 20 suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking polysorbate 20 suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of polysorbate 20 can brands buy?

Common forms include cosmetic grade, food or flavor grade (FCC), pharmaceutical grade (USP-NF, Ph. Eur.) and vegetable-sourced. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for polysorbate 20 include?

Expect saponification, acid and hydroxyl numbers, oxyethylene content, water content, residual ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane and peroxide value and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should polysorbate 20 be stored?

What is the regulatory status of polysorbate 20?

21 CFR 172.515 lists polysorbate 20 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate) among synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants that may be used in food. 21 CFR 178.3400 lists polysorbate 20 among emulsifiers and surface-active agents permitted in making food-contact articles, with set specifications. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists polysorbate 20 with technical effects that include emulsifier or emulsifier salt and surface-active agent.

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