Description
Polysorbate 20 is a gentle, oily, liquid cosmetic additive that functions as a nonionic surfactant and wetting agent that enhances the spreadability of liquids. As a solubilizer, it helps both essential oils and fragrance oils to attach to various types of cosmetic bases, including liquid, cream, and gel bases, and thereby prevents the oils and bases from separating. As a dispersant, it also helps to diffuse oils throughout water and to prevent the oils from clumping or settling. As an anti-static agent, Polysorbate 20 helps to reduce and prevent the buildup of static charges. Furthermore, it is a thickener as well as a viscosity modifier, which helps prevent changes to a product’s viscosity when it is subjected to varying room temperatures, such as extreme cold or heat.
Polysorbate 20 is added to water-based cosmetic formulations as the last component required for ensuring that essential oils and fragrance oils remain blended with the bases to which they are added. Its soothing, non-irritating quality makes it ideal for addition to formulations for bath products, for body and facial cleansers, for baby products, and for other transparent and scented products, as it helps retain both the fragrance and the clarity.
How to use polysorbate 20
To incorporate Polysorbate 20 into a formulation, blend it with an equal amount of essential oils or fragrance oils for a 1:1 ratio of solubilizer to scent. Blend this combination until it is a clear mixture, then stir it directly into the base to stabilize the essential oils, to ensure that they remain thoroughly combined in the formula, and to help the final product maintain its transparency.
Applications
Nonionic, solubilizer, o/w emulsifier, antistat and fiber lubricant used in textile industry, wetting agent, viscosity modifier, suspending agent used in food, cosmetics, drugs, textile and metal working industries, solubilizer for perfumes and flavours, insecticides, herbicides, paints and inks, pharmaceuticals.
Solubilizer Polysorbate 20 functions as a(n):
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Solubilizer
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Stabilizer
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Emulsifier
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Surfactant
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Wetting Agent
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Dispersant
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Anti-static Agent
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Thickener
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Viscosity Modifier
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Fragrance Ingredient
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Lubricant
It helps to:
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Combine immiscible ingredients
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Gently cleanse and soothe the skin and scalp
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Create foam in cleansing products
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Offer a consistent thoroughly-blended feel to products
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Maintain product transparency and clarity
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Enhance spreadability of product on skin
The recommended maximum dosage is 1-20%
The above information is for general research purposes only and is not a representation or warranty of any kind. This material is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The user of this material is solely responsible for determining fitness for any particular use; requesting and reviewing the applicable Material Safety Data Sheet; and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Terms and conditions apply
Sam (verified owner) –
I use this Poly 20 as an emulsifier for essential oils into the water phase and it works perfectly. A small amount goes a long way.
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