Skip to content
SupplyList
Menu

Polysorbate 80

Polysorbate 80 suppliers and sourcing guide

Polysorbate 80 is a nonionic surfactant made by reacting oleic acid with sorbitol to form sorbitan esters, then reacting those with ethylene oxide. It is a yellow to amber viscous liquid that disperses oil-soluble ingredients in water. Food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic grades are sold, and it is used to solubilize flavors, colors and oil-soluble vitamins.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
E433 · polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate · Tween 80 · PEG-20 sorbitan oleate
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of polysorbate 80

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

  • Food grade (FCC)

    Meets the FCC monograph for food uses such as frozen desserts and pickle products.

  • Pharmaceutical grade (USP-NF, Ph. Eur.)

    For oral, topical and injectable drug products; low-peroxide and high-purity versions exist.

  • Cosmetic grade

    Sold by INCI name Polysorbate 80 for solubilizing fragrance oils.

  • Vegetable-sourced

    Made from plant-derived oleic acid 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 the ranges in the regulation and FCC monograph.
Oxyethylene content
Assay of the ethylene oxide portion per the FCC method.
Water content
By Karl Fischer titration.
Residual ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane
By headspace gas chromatography; important for pharmaceutical and cosmetic uses.
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 80 in tightly closed containers, protected from light and air, at room temperature. It oxidizes over time, which raises peroxide value, so some grades are packed under nitrogen. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, usually as a retest date.

Lots and expiry dates

Peroxide value and color can rise with age and opened storage, so record them per lot and use oldest stock first. Keep the fatty acid source documented if you make kosher, halal or vegan claims.

Regulatory status

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

  • 21 CFR 172.840 permits polysorbate 80 as a food additive for listed uses, including as an emulsifier in ice cream and other frozen desserts, and sets specifications such as oxyethylene content.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents includes polysorbate 80.

    Source: canada.ca (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 80 suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking polysorbate 80 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.

Sell polysorbate 80? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of polysorbate 80 can brands buy?

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

What should the COA for polysorbate 80 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 80 be stored?

Store polysorbate 80 in tightly closed containers, protected from light and air, at room temperature. It oxidizes over time, which raises peroxide value, so some grades are packed under nitrogen. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, usually as a retest date.

What is the regulatory status of polysorbate 80?

21 CFR 172.840 permits polysorbate 80 as a food additive for listed uses, including as an emulsifier in ice cream and other frozen desserts, and sets specifications such as oxyethylene content. Health Canada's List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents includes polysorbate 80.

More gums, emulsifiers and thickeners

All 45 gums, emulsifiers and thickeners

Sell ingredients to brands?

Request a free listing for the ingredients you make or distribute. No paid placement.

Request a listing