A clear glass beaker filled with pale yellow liquid of Polysorbate 80, shown on a white background with a clear glass stirring rod inserted inside.

Premium Polysorbate 80 surfactant displayed in supplier‑grade packaging for effective solubilisation of essential oils and oil‑based actives

Cosmetic‑grade Polysorbate 80 photographed in editorial, ingredient‑focused composition for high‑performance emulsification in skincare

An infographic poster for JNA Ingredient Co. Polysorbate 80, detailing its key properties, formulation applications, and a usage tip with a visual of the liquid mixing in a beaker.

JNA Ingredient Co showcasing four amber glass bottles of Polysorbate 80 in graduated sizes, arranged from smallest to largest on a white background with a soft reflection for emulsifying, dispersing, and stabilising skincare formulations

Product packaging may vary from the images shown based on pack size and packaging availability. Product specifications and declared net contents remain unchanged.

Polysorbate 80

$9.95

NON-IONIC EMULSIFIER & SOLUBILISER

Water Dispersible

Non-Ionic

Solubilises Heavier Oils

1–10% Typical Use

Sold by weight (g or Kg) for formulation accuracy. Reference only: 250 g ≈ 245–250 mL (at 20°C).

Need a larger quantity? Explore bulk and trade supply options for production volumes.

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Polysorbate 80

$9.95

OUR DIFFERENCE

Selected for specification, not just ingredient name.

Materials sold under the same ingredient name or INCI can differ in grade, purity, specification limits and supporting documentation. JNA selects ingredients with these differences in mind.

Specification Matters

Selected for stronger purity and quality parameters where specification makes the difference.

Cosmetic grade

Selected for professional cosmetic formulation.

Documented quality

Manufacturing and batch documentation available.

Formulator ready

Defined use levels and processing guidance.

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FORMULATION OVERVIEW

Polysorbate 80

Polysorbate 80 is a versatile non-ionic emulsifier and solubiliser used to help incorporate and distribute oil-soluble ingredients within water-containing cosmetic formulations. Its oil-in-water emulsifying functionality makes it particularly useful across emulsions, cleansers, shampoos and other personal-care systems where oils, emollients, fragrance or other suitable lipophilic materials need to be effectively incorporated into the finished formulation.

For formulators, Polysorbate 80 offers useful flexibility beyond straightforward solubilisation. It can provide emulsifying support in oil-in-water systems while also assisting with the solubilisation and dispersion of suitable lipophilic ingredients. This makes it a practical choice for formulations containing a more developed oil, surfactant or emulsion system where effective distribution of oil-phase materials is important.

JNA’s cosmetic-grade Polysorbate 80 is supplied as a pale yellow liquid with defined physicochemical specifications, including controls for acid value, hydroxyl value, pH and moisture. Manufacturing documentation states USP conformity, giving formulators documented material specifications alongside its emulsifying, solubilising and dispersing functionality.

Why Formulators Choose It

Oil-in-water emulsifying functionality - supports the incorporation and distribution of oil-phase materials within water-containing formulations.
Effective solubilising support - helps incorporate fragrance and other suitable lipophilic ingredients into predominantly aqueous systems.
Multi-functional performance - provides emulsifying, solubilising and dispersing functionality from one versatile formulation ingredient.
Useful in more developed systems - well suited to emulsions, cleansers, shampoos and formulations containing both aqueous and lipophilic components.
Non-ionic versatility - offers flexible surface-active functionality across a broad range of cosmetic and personal-care formulation systems.
Documented cosmetic grade - supplied against defined physicochemical specifications with manufacturing documentation stating USP conformity.

View in Ingredient Dictionary

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

Ingredient Polysorbate 80

INCI Polysorbate 80

CAS 9005-65-6

Solubility Water soluble

FORMULATION NOTES

Processing Notes

Polysorbate 80 can be incorporated into the water phase or pre-mixed with suitable oil-soluble ingredients before addition to the formulation. For solubilising applications, pre-mixing with the oil, fragrance or other compatible lipophilic material can support more uniform incorporation. Mix thoroughly until the system is homogeneous. Where heat is used, incorporate according to the requirements of the overall formulation.

Compatibility Notes

As a non-ionic emulsifier and solubiliser, Polysorbate 80 is suitable for use across a broad range of cosmetic formulation systems. It can be used alongside other surfactants, emulsifiers, humectants and common water- and oil-phase ingredients. Performance should be assessed in the complete formulation, particularly where electrolyte levels, surfactant concentration or substantial oil loads may influence clarity, viscosity or stability.

pH Notes

Polysorbate 80 is used across a broad range of cosmetic systems. The supplied material has a specified pH of 5.0–8.0. Finished-product pH should be selected according to the requirements of the complete formulation and its other ingredients rather than adjusted specifically for Polysorbate 80.

Formulation Examples

Suitable applications include oil-in-water emulsions, creams and lotions, facial and body cleansers, shampoos, bath products and aqueous systems requiring solubilisation or dispersion of suitable oils, fragrance or other lipophilic ingredients.

Troubleshooting

Oil droplets or separation develop after standing
The emulsifier or solubiliser system may not adequately support the oil phase. Reassess the oil load, Polysorbate 80 level and complete emulsifier system rather than increasing Polysorbate 80 automatically.

Formula remains cloudy after adding Polysorbate 80
Assess the specific lipophilic material and complete formulation. Increase Polysorbate 80 incrementally only where testing indicates additional solubilisation improves the system.

Formula is initially uniform but separates during stability testing
Initial appearance does not confirm long-term physical stability. Review the complete emulsifier system, oil phase, ingredient interactions and processing method before adjusting the Polysorbate 80 level.

Different fragrances give different results at the same ratio
Solubilisation requirements vary between fragrance and oil-soluble materials. Optimise each material individually rather than applying a fixed Polysorbate 80-to-oil ratio.

Finished product feels heavier than intended
Review the total surfactant and emulsifier load and optimise Polysorbate 80 to the lowest level that delivers the required performance.

Excessive aeration or foam develops during processing
Reduce unnecessary high-shear or prolonged mixing and use controlled agitation during incorporation.

SENSORY PROFILE

Skin Feel Light to slightly emollient depending on use level and the overall formulation.

Tack Low to moderate. Higher use levels may contribute additional tack or weight in lightweight formulations.

Slip Mild slip; not primarily used to provide slip or lubrication.

Finish Generally unobtrusive at optimised use levels, although higher concentrations may make lightweight formulations feel richer or more noticeable on application.

Formulation Impact

Can influence clarity, viscosity, foaming and sensory character depending on concentration, oil load and the material being incorporated. Optimising the Polysorbate 80-to-oil ratio can help achieve the required emulsifying or solubilising performance without unnecessarily increasing surfactant level.

QUALITY & SOURCING

USP-Conforming Cosmetic Grade
JNA’s Polysorbate 80 is supplied as a cosmetic-grade material with manufacturing documentation stating conformity with the applicable USP standard, providing formulators with a recognised quality benchmark for raw-material selection.

Defined Quality Specification
Supplied against established physicochemical specifications including acid value, hydroxyl value, pH and moisture for consistent raw-material quality.

Documented Batch Verification
Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis documentation verifies the supplied material against its established quality specification.

Supported Claims

Supported by supplier technical documentation and batch-specific quality verification, with the supplied material conforming to the USP standard.

COMPARISON & ALTERNATIVES

Polysorbate 20

Consider where the primary formulation objective is solubilising small amounts of fragrance, essential oils or other suitable lipophilic materials in predominantly aqueous products.

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Alternative non-ionic solubiliser commonly considered for fragrance and oil-soluble materials in aqueous systems.

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate

Polysorbate 80 can be evaluated alone or within a broader emulsifier or solubiliser system where additional control over dispersion, appearance or physical stability is required. Optimise combinations against the specific oil phase and complete finished formulation.

STORAGE & HANDLING

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool, dry place in the original tightly closed container, away from direct sunlight, excessive heat and sources of contamination. Maintain appropriate storage conditions to preserve material quality.

Handling Notes

Use clean, dry equipment when dispensing or transferring. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use and avoid introducing water or other contaminants into the raw material. Follow the applicable SDS and good industrial hygiene practices when handling.

Shelf Life / Retest Guidance

Refer to the retest date shown on the product label and applicable batch documentation. Material stored beyond the stated retest date should be reassessed for suitability before use.

PRODUCT SAFETY

Polysorbate 80 is intended for use as a cosmetic formulation ingredient. Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and formulation practices. Avoid unnecessary direct contact with the concentrated raw material and follow the applicable SDS when handling.

Warnings & Precautions

For formulation use only. Not intended for direct application to skin in undiluted raw-material form. Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged or repeated contact with the concentrated material. Keep out of reach of children.

The formulator is responsible for assessing the safety, stability and suitability of the finished formulation for its intended application.

DOCUMENTATION

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Available for this ingredient

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TDS / Specification Sheet Available for this ingredient

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Formulator's Quick Guide

INCI Polysorbate 80

CAS 9005-65-6

Appearance Pale yellow liquid

Solubility Water soluble

Phase Any Phase

Applications Creams & Lotions, Serums, Toners & Essences, Mists & Sprays, Facial Cleansers, Body Washes, Shampoos, Conditioners, Foaming Cleansers, Body Lotions & Creams, Shower Gels & Body Washes, Emulsions , Surfactant Systems, Clear Aqueous Formulations

Supports Emulsifying / solubilising, Cleansing / foam

Why Formulators Choose This Ingredient

Multi-Functional Performance

Provides solubilising, emulsifying and dispersing functionality, making it useful across more than one formulation challenge.

Oil-in-Water Emulsifying Support

Helps incorporate and distribute oil-phase materials within water-containing formulations, supporting creams, lotions and other emulsion systems.

Supports More Developed Oil Systems

Particularly useful in formulations containing oils, emollients and other lipophilic materials where effective distribution within the finished system is required.

Broad Formulation Versatility

Suitable across emulsions, cleansers, shampoos, bath products and other personal-care systems where emulsifying, solubilising or dispersing support is required.