Polysorbate 60 is also known under its chemical name as ethoxylated sorbitan monostearate. The CAS number of this compound is 9005-67-8. The main characteristic of Polysorbate 60 are its effective emulsifying properties. It is used in industries such as the cosmetics industry, the textile industry and metal processing.
Polysorbate 60 is a poly (oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivative. It dissolves well in water, ethyl acetate and toluene. It does not dissolve in mineral and vegetable oils. It has a weak, characteristic smell and a slightly bitter aftertaste. The product can be in liquid form or semi-liquid yellow to brown paste. It is a nonionic surfactant with hydrophilic properties. In aqueous solutions at the concentration of approximately 5%, the pH is slightly basic. At a higher pH value, the substance begins to break down. In cosmetics, the concentration of the active substance does not exceed 20%. The commercial product, e.g. in the offer of the PCC Group, contains as much as 99% of the active substance.
Polysorbate 60 is produced by the ethoxylation of sorbitan. Sorbitan is the dehydrated form of sorbitol, a sugar alcohol naturally found in some fruits. Ethoxylation is a chemical reaction adding ethylene oxide to a substrate, i.e. sorbitan. Sorbitan reacts with 60 units of ethylene oxide, hence “60” in the ingredient’s name. The final step is the reaction with fatty acids from vegetable fats and oils such as lauric, palmitic, stearic or oleic acids.
Polysorbate 60 is a synthetic multi-component substrate that can be used as a surfactant, emulsifier, solvent, stabilizer in cosmetics and personal care products. It is a synthetic ingredient used in cosmetics for skin care to improve the texture and sensory feeling of preparations. Acts as an O/W emulsifier. It supports the formation of an emulsion, i.e. a physical and chemical form created by combining the water phase with the oil phase. Polysorbate 60 acts as a surfactant to reduce the surface tension between two substances, e.g between two liquids or a liquid and a solid. In this way, surfactants can attract, suspend, and wash away oils, dirt, and other contaminants accumulated on the skin. As a solubilizer, it enables the introduction of substances being insoluble or sparingly soluble in water, e.g. plant extracts, fragrances or fatty substances, into the aqueous solution. Polysorbate 60 supports the formation of a permanent foam required for the effective removal of impurities. The characteristics of the emulsifier, frothering properties and the ability to produce micelles determine its use in preparations for cleansing the scalp and hair. As one of the ingredients used in cosmetics, it improves their consistency, facilitates application and rinsing. In addition, it has lubricating effect and reduces the potential irritant and drying properties of other detergents.
In addition to its function in cosmetics, ethoxylated sorbitan monostearate can be used in production of many other products in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In agrochemicals, it is used in the form of an emulsifier in pesticide formulations, mainly of the EC, SL, EW, ME, WP and WG types. Polysorbate 60 is also used in the textile industry as one of the ingredients in the process of production of polyacrylic fibers. It is also used as an emulsifier in processes where drilling fluids are used.
The most important advantages of Polysorbate 60 are:
Polysorbate 60 is a safe compound, although there are some concerns regarding ingredients produced by ethoxylation, as there is a risk of contamination. However, the process is strictly regulated and the products are purged and checked for contamination, so the risk is mitigated.
