Polysorbate 21 is a nonionic surfactant used in cosmetic and personal care formulation development. It is associated with emulsifying and cleansing functions and may be evaluated in formulations that require compatibility between aqueous and oily components.
Listed under the INCI name Polysorbate 21, this ingredient belongs to the polysorbate family of ethoxylated sorbitan derivatives. Its formulation behaviour depends on the material's composition, commercial grade, concentration, and interactions with other ingredients.
Polysorbate 21 may be considered during the development of selected cleansing products, emulsions, and other personal care formulations. Its suitability for solubilising fragrances or other oil-soluble components should be confirmed through testing rather than assumed for every formulation.
Swapnroop provides cosmetic ingredient information to support product evaluation and procurement discussions. Before purchasing Polysorbate 21, confirm the ingredient identity, commercial grade, technical specifications, supporting documentation, packaging, and current availability.
Polysorbate 21 is identified by the INCI name Polysorbate 21. The CosIng ingredient inventory describes it as a derivative of sorbitan monododecanoate with poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) groups. It is classified as a nonionic surfactant.
The ingredient belongs to a group of ethoxylated sorbitan derivatives used in cosmetic formulations. Its hydrophilic and lipophilic characteristics can help support the dispersion or mixing of selected formulation components, depending on the grade and the composition of the finished product.
Polysorbate 21 is related to other ingredients in the polysorbate family, including Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 40, Polysorbate 60, and Polysorbate 80. These ingredients should not automatically be treated as interchangeable. Their composition and performance can differ, so ingredient selection should be based on technical documentation and formulation trials.
Molecular formula and molecular weight: Do not assign a single universal molecular formula or molecular weight to Polysorbate 21 without a grade-specific, authoritative reference. The ingredient is described as a group of ethoxylated derivatives, and reference records do not always present a consistent discrete molecular structure. Use the actual commercial grade's technical documentation for any required compositional values.
These are formulation considerations, not guaranteed finished-product results. Performance, clarity, stability, and compatibility should be assessed through appropriate laboratory testing.
Polysorbate 21 may be evaluated in suitable cosmetic cleansing systems where surfactant-cleansing properties are relevant. Formulators should assess the finished product's cleansing performance, rinsability, appearance, and skin compatibility.
The ingredient's listed emulsifying function makes it a candidate for evaluation in suitable formulations containing oil and water phases. Its ability to support a stable formulation depends on the full ingredient system and processing conditions.
Polysorbate 21 can be considered during the development of selected personal care products when its documented characteristics match the intended formulation requirements. Application suitability should be established through testing.
Formulation teams may compare Polysorbate 21 with other nonionic surfactants when developing or optimising cosmetic products. Differences in grade and composition should be considered before selecting an ingredient or replacing another polysorbate.
Other applications may be investigated when the ingredient's technical documentation supports the intended use. Do not assume suitability for every skin-care, hair-care, or fragrance-containing formulation without compatibility and performance data.
Polysorbate 21 appears in the European Commission's CosIng ingredient inventory. However, an inventory entry is not, by itself, proof of unrestricted use or regulatory approval for every cosmetic application.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review has assessed polysorbates as a group and concluded that the ingredients covered by its assessment are safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating, subject to the assessment's qualifications. Formulators should consult the relevant assessment and confirm that its scope applies to the ingredient and intended use.
Before commercialisation, review the supplied safety data sheet, conduct an appropriate finished-product safety assessment, and check current requirements in each target market.
Swapnroop supports cosmetic ingredient evaluation by providing product information for formulation and procurement discussions.
Confirm the offered grade, supporting documentation, current availability, and commercial terms before ordering.
Polysorbate 21 is a nonionic surfactant listed for cleansing and emulsifying functions in cosmetic ingredient references. It can be evaluated for suitable personal care formulations where its documented characteristics meet the technical requirements.
Cosmetic manufacturers in India should select the ingredient based on verified identity, commercial grade, quality documentation, formulation compatibility, and applicable regulations. Laboratory testing is necessary before scaling up a formulation.
Contact Swapnroop to discuss Polysorbate 21 requirements, including the intended application, required grade, quantity, packaging, and documentation needs. Confirm current availability and commercial terms before procurement.
For bulk procurement, provide the intended application, required grade, quantity, packaging preference, and documentation requirements. Before accepting a batch, compare the certificate of analysis against the agreed product specification and review the relevant technical and safety documentation.
For new formulations, complete laboratory trials and appropriate compatibility, stability, and safety testing before moving to pilot or commercial production. Maintain incoming-material checks and batch records to support consistent manufacturing quality.
Polysorbate 21 is a nonionic surfactant listed in cosmetic ingredient references for cleansing and emulsifying functions.
CAS 9005-64-5 is listed in ingredient reference records. Confirm the identifier against the documentation for the specific commercial grade.
The INCI name is Polysorbate 21.
The CosIng inventory reference is 79319.
Its listed functions include surfactant-cleansing and surfactant-emulsifying.
No. Suitability depends on the commercial grade, ingredient compatibility, concentration, finished-product performance, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Do not assume direct interchangeability. Verify the identity and composition of each ingredient and perform compatibility and performance testing before substitution.
A single universal molecular weight should not be assigned without reliable, grade-specific documentation.
Review the technical data sheet, safety data sheet, batch-specific certificate of analysis, and agreed product specification.
Provide the intended application, required grade, quantity, packaging preference, and documentation requirements. Confirm current availability and commercial terms before ordering.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless to light-yellow liquid or oily liquid |