POLYSORBATE 20

SYNONYMS

Polysorbate 20; tween 20; Polyethylene glycol sorbitan monolaurate; Polyoxyethylenesorbitan monolaurate; 2-[2-[3,4-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)oxolan-2-yl]-2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethyl dodecanoat; 2-(2-(3,4-Bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl dodecanoate; POE(20) sorbitan monolaurate; Ethoxylated Sorbitan monolaurate; Alkest TW 20; Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurate 20 NF; Polyoxyethylenesorbitan monolaurate; C12 sorbitan monoester, 20 EO (polysorbate 20); 3,6-Anhydro-1-O-[2-(dodecanoyloxy)ethyl]-2,4,5-tris-O-(2-hydroxyethyl)hexitol; Polisorbate 20- PS 20; Tween 20 (Trademark of ICI America, Inc.); Tween 20; Tween 20 1LT; Twain 20;TWEEN(R) 20 Vetec(TM) reagent grade, 40%;ACRYL/BIS 37.5:1 PREMIXED PWD ULTRA PURE; TWEEN 20 ELECTROPHORESIS GRADE; Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate; Montanox 20; Polysorbate 20; PEG(20)sorbitan monolaurate; Alkest TW 20; TWEEN 20; psml;capmul;Twain 20;TWEEN 20;FEMA 2915;emsorb6915;'TWEEN' 20;TWEEN 20(R);TWEEN NO 20;TWEEN(R) 20; polysorbate 20, Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate; PEG(20)sorbitan monolaurate; polisorbat 20; 20 polysorbate; twen 20; POLISORBATE 20; POLYSORBATE 20; hydroxyethoxy 20; oxolan 2- hydroxyethoxy; Polyoxyethylene- sorbitan monolaurate; Polyoxyethylene- sorbitan monopalmitate; Polyethylene glycol sorbitan monolaurate; Polyoxyethylenesorbitan monolaurate; Montanox 20; polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan esters; Polysorbatum 20; Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate; Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurate; Tween-20; Emulsifier T-20; 3,6-Anhydro-1-O-[2-(Dodecanoyloxy)Ethyl]-2,4,5-Tris-O-(2-Hydroxyethyl)Hexitol; 2-Hydroxyethyl 2-Deoxy-3,5-Bis-O-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-6-O-{2-[(9E)-Octadec-9-Enoyloxy]Ethyl}Hexofuranoside; Polyethyleneglycol Sorbitan Monolaurate; Polysorbate 20; POE (6) sorbitol monolaurate; tween (R) 20; Polysorbate (INN);  Tween 20;  2-[2-[3,4-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)oxolan-2-yl]-2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethyl dodecanoate;  MDL 11,939;  Polysorbate 60 (NF);  Polysorbate;  Polysorbate 20 (NF);  monododecanoate; 3,6-anhydro-1-O-[2-(dodecanoyloxy)ethyl]-2,4,5-tris-O-(2-hydroxyethyl)hexitol; 2-hydroxyethyl 2-deoxy-3,5-bis-O-(2-hydroxyethyl)-6-O-{2-[(9E)-octadec-9-enoyloxy]ethyl}hexofuranoside;  

Tween 20, whose common commercial names includes Alkest TW 20 and Polysorbate 20, is a mild nonionic surfactant formed by the ethoxylation of sorbitan before the addition of lauric acid which is a medium-chain fatty acid found mainly in coconut oil. It is allowed to be used as the emulsifier, detergent, dispersant, solvent and stabilizer, etc. in a number of fields such as pharmaceutical, chemical, food, textile and other industries due to its stability and relative non-toxicity.Tween 20 is widely applied in biological techniques and sciences, which can be added to buffers and reagents for immunohistochemistry, such as Western blots and ELISAs, helping to prevent non-specific antibody binding, decrease background staining and enhance reagent spreading. Besides, Tween 20 also has applications in food production as a common food grade additive which are found in many consumables on the market today. It can also be used as a wetting agent in flavored mouth drops such as Ice Drops, in oral or non-gastrointestinal suspensions and in rubber balers in the elastomer industry.Polysorbate 20 is a mixture of laurate partial esters of sorbitol and sorbitol anhydrides condensed with approximately 20 mole of ethylene oxide (C2H4O) for each mole of sorbitol and its mono- and dianhydrides. It has a faint, characteristic odor and a warm, somewhat bitter taste.By condensing the partial esters of sorbitol and its anhydrides with ethylene oxide to effect an oxyethylene copolymerization at the free hydroxyl groups. Polysorbate 20 is used as a wetting agent in flavored mouth drops such as Ice Drops, helping to provide a spreading feeling to other ingredients like SD alcohol and mint flavor. The World Health Organization has suggested acceptable daily intake limits of 0–25 mg of polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters per kg body weight. In biological techniques and sciences, polysorbate 20 has a broad range of applications. as a washing agent in immunoassays, such as Western blots and ELISAs. It helps to prevent non-specific antibody binding. In this major application, it is dissolved in Tris-buffered saline or phosphate buffered saline at dilutions of 0.05% to 0.5% v/v. These buffers are used for washes between each immunoreaction, to remove unbound immunologicals, and eventually for incubating solutions of immunoreagents (labeled antibodies) to reduce nonspecific background.to saturate binding sites on surfaces (i.e., to coat polystyrene microplates, generally combined with proteins such as BSA).to stabilize proteins purified protein derivative (PPD) solution used in skin testing for tuberculosis exposure. as a solubilizing agent of membrane proteins. for lysing mammalian cells, at a concentration of 0.05% to 0.5% v/v, generally combined with other detergents, salts and additives. Polysorbate 20 is used as an excipient in pharmaceutical applications to stabilize emulsions and suspensions. Polysorbate 20 is used by philatelists to remove stamps from envelopes and to remove residues from stamps, without harming the stamp itself.Polysorbate 20 is also used as wetting agent in rubber balers in the elastomer industry. Polysorbate 20 has been used as a shape directing agent to synthesize spheroidal magnetite nanoassemblies. TWEEN 20 has been used as a blocking agent for membrane based immunoassays at a typical concentration of 0.05%.TWEEN 20 is suitable for use as a solubilizing agent of membrane proteins and as a blocking agent in Western blotting. TWEEN 20 can be used for lysing mammalian cells at a concentration of 0.05 to 0.5%. TWEEN 20 is a nonionic detergent widely used in biochemical applications. Sigma offers a number of products for research, some tested for suitability in a given application. The general use reagent is Product No. P 1379. TWEEN 20 is a frequently used member of the polysorbate family. These have been used as emulsifying agents for the preparation of stable oil-in water emulsions. When Sorbitol – a sugar alcohol that can be derived from either a vegetable or a fruit source – is treated with 20 moles of Ethylene Oxide, the chemical reaction results in Sorbitan Monolaurate, which is also known as a Polysorbate (specifically Polysorbate 20 or Solubilizer). Solubilizer is a water-soluble emulsifier, which binds water and oil together. 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. 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.As with all other New Directions Aromatics products, Solubilizer Polysorbate 20 Raw Material is for external use only. It is imperative to consult a medical practitioner before using this product for therapeutic purposes. Pregnant and nursing women as well as those with sensitive skin and an allergy to coconuts are especially advised not to use Solubilizer Polysorbate 20 Raw Material without the medical advice of a physician. This product should always be stored in an area that is inaccessible to children, especially those under the age of 7.Prior to using Solubilizer Polysorbate 20 Raw Material, a skin test is recommended. This can be done by dissolving 1 tsp Solubilizer Polysorbate 20 Raw Material in 1 tsp of a preferred Carrier Oil and applying a dime-size amount of this blend to a small area of skin that is not sensitive. Solubilizer Polysorbate 20 must never be used near the inner nose and ears or on any other particularly sensitive areas of skin. Potential side effects of Solubilizer Polysorbate 20 include skin irritation. In the event of an allergic reaction, discontinue use of the product and see a doctor, pharmacist, or allergist immediately for a health assessment and appropriate remedial action. To prevent side effects, consult with a medical professional prior to use. In some products with Solubilizer Polysorbate 20, the water and oils may separate; however, they will become re-emulsified upon shaking. Use polysorbate in applications where you need water and oil to combine a prime example would be room sprays, but it can also be used in a bath oils, cream preparations and shower gels / shampoos. Polysorbate 20 is soothing to the skin. Polysorbate 20 is considered a low hazard ingredient. Full information can be found in the MSDS sheets which can be downloaded by using the link to the right of this page. Polysorbate 20 is found in cosmetic preparations, food stuffs and other household products. Polysorbate 20 is commercially known as Tween 20.Tween™ 20 by Croda is a non-ionic surfactant and dispersant in polar systems. It acts as o/w emulsifier and wetting agent. It is an ethoxylated fatty acid ester produced from sorbitol and C12 fatty acid. It offers a high affinity for pigment surfaces allows higher loadings of pigments and fillers. It is compatible with LDPE, PETG, PVC, ABS, PLA and PC. Tween™ 20 is used in adhesives and sealants. It is compliant with EU, FDA regulations. Polysorbate 20 and the other Polysorbate ingredients (Polysorbate 21, Polysorbate 40, Polysorbate 60, Polysorbate 61, Polysorbate 65, Polysorbate 65, Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate 81, Polysorbate 85) are a series of general purpose hydrophilic, nonionic surfactants. The Polysorbates are used in a variety of products including skin fresheners, skin care products, skin cleansing products, makeup bases and foundations, shampoos, permanent waves and fragrance powders. The Polysorbate ingredients help other ingredients to dissolve in a solvent in which they would not normally dissolve. They also help to form emulsions by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified. Polysorbates are surfactants that are produced by reacting the polyol, sorbitol, with ethylene oxide. The number in the name of the Polysorbate indicates the average number of moles of ethylene oxide that has been reacted per mole of sorbitol. The polyoxyethylenated sorbitan is then reacted with fatty acids obtained from vegetable fats and oils such as lauric acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid. Polysorbates function to disperse oil in water as opposed to water in oilPolysorbate 20 is regarded as a safe chemical in skincare and is used as an emulsifier to combine oil and water.Polysorbate-20 is fragrance component, a surfactant, an emulsifying agent, and a solubilizing agent. Polysorbate starts out as harmless sorbitol, but then it's treated with carcinogenic ethylene oxide.  It's called Polysorbate 20 because it's treated with 20 "parts" of ethylene oxide.  The higher the number, the more ethylene oxide it has been treated with.  This substance is then combined with various fatty acids.  The Skin Deep Database rates it as only a "one," and doesn't pick up on the risk that it could be contaminated with ethylene oxide, and subsequently, 1,4 dioxane.  In addition, it can be laced with heavy metals.Otherwise known as polysorbates, tweens are typically used as a surfactant for dispersing hydrophobic particles in aqueous solutions, as well as a non-ionic detergent for selective protein extraction and isolation of nuclei from mammalian cells. Polysorbate 20, is a popular choice for biochemical applications. With a hydrophobic dodecanoic tail, it attached to 20 repeat units of polyethylene glycol and distributed across four different chains. As a non-ionic surfactant, Polysorbate 20 has a molecular weight of 1,225 daltons, assuming 20 ethylene oxide units, one sorbitol, and one lauric acid as the primary fatty acid. The ethylene oxide subunits are responsible for the hydrophilic nature of the surfactant, while the hydrocarbon chains provide the hydrophobic environment. Ethylene oxide polymers attach to the backbone ring, which is formed by sorbitol. It is also miscible in water (100 mg/ml) and yields a clear, yellow solution. It is practically insoluble in liquid paraffin and fixed oils, and also miscible in alcohol, dioxane, and ethyl acetate.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.

APPEARANCE: Clear, yellow to yellow-green viscous liquid. Polysorbate 20 is a mixture of laurate partial esters of sorbitol and sorbitol anhydrides condensed with approximately 20 mole of ethylene oxide (C2H4O) for each mole of sorbitol and its mono- and dianhydrides. It has a faint, characteristic odor and a warm, somewhat bitter taste. Pharmaceutic aid (surfactant).Emulsifier, stabiliser, flavouring agent, dispersant Polysorbate 20 is a polysorbate surfactant whose stability and relative non-toxicity allows it to be used as a detergent and emulsifier in a number of domestic, scientific, and pharmacological applications. It is a polyoxyethylene derivative of sorbitan monolaurate, and is distinguished from the other members in the polysorbate range by the length of the polyoxyethylene chain and the fatty acid ester moiety. Solubilizer (Polysorbate 20) is a water solubiliser for essential oils and perfume compounds. It has a faint warm-oily shampoo like note. Use from 4 parts Polysorbate 20 to, 1 part oil or compound. Mix the Polysorbate with the oil or perfume compound well then add the water slowly, stirring all the time. Note: Using some ethanol (20-30%) with the water will help the clarity of the end product and you may be able to reduce the amount of solubilizer necessary. As with all solubilisers the exact amount required for a completely clear solution depends on each compounds own ingredients and some materials like citrus oils and resins are almost impossible to get completely clear.

USES: Polysorbate 20 is a solubilizer, emulsifier, viscosity modifier, and stabilizer of essential oils in water.Use polysorbate in applications where you need water and oil to combine a prime example would be room sprays, but it can also be used in a bath oils, cream preparations and shower gels / shampoos. Polysorbate 20 is soothing to the skin.Add 10% Polysorbate 20 to distilled water and combine with up to 3% essential oil to create a natural room sprays. Polysorbate 20 can also be used with synthetic fragrances. Facial cleanser, body wash, toners, moisturizer. Tween 20 is a polyoxyethylene sorbitol ester containing approximately 20 units of ethylene oxide per unit of sorbitol.  The fatty acid composition is heterogeneous with lauric acid as major component (40 - 60 %). Tween 20 is of importance in immunological determination procedures. It effectively suppresses unspecific reactions between antibodies, antigens, and other molecules. Tween 20 can also be used as a solubilizer in membrane chemistry and as an additive for cell culture media. In thiophilic interaction chromatography, Tween 20 has proved effective in the elution of strongly adsorbed proteins. Other notable applications are e.g. turbidimetric determination of lipolytic enzymes and  density gradient centrifugation of viruses.Polysorbate 20 is typically used as an emulsifying agent for the preparation of stable oil-in-water emulsions, particularly in pharmaceutical applications. It has been used in pre-extraction of membranes to remove peripheral proteins. It has been used as a blocking agent on nitrocellulose.Unless specified otherwise, MP Biomedical's products are for research or further manufacturing use only, not for direct human use. For more information, please contact our customer service department.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.

STORAGE: Aqueous solutions of polysorbates undergo autoxidation during storage, with changes being catalyzed by light, increased temperature, and copper sulfate.6 Autoclaving is not recommended without testing for changes in properties. TWEEN 20 may not be stable to autoclaving, particularly with metal cations in buffer olutions. TWEEN 20 is heat sensitive and will darken when exposed to elevated temperatures. Polysorbates have been reported to be incompatible with alkalis, heavy metal salts, phenols, and tannic acid. Polysorbates may reduce the activity of many preservatives.4 No plastic incompatabilities have been observed