Polysorbate 40 is a nonionic surfactant used in cosmetic and personal care formulation development. Also known as Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monopalmitate, it is derived from sorbitan and palmitic acid and is valued for its emulsifying and cleansing functions.
In cosmetic formulations, Polysorbate 40 can help support the mixing and stabilisation of selected oil and water components. It may be evaluated in creams, lotions, cleansing products, gels, and other personal care preparations where emulsification, dispersion, or surfactant performance is required.
Its performance depends on the commercial grade, concentration, ingredient compatibility, processing conditions, and characteristics of the finished formulation. Formulators should assess emulsion stability, appearance, viscosity, and compatibility through laboratory testing before selecting the ingredient for production.
Swapnroop provides cosmetic ingredient information to support formulation evaluation and procurement discussions. Before purchasing Polysorbate 40, confirm the commercial grade, technical specifications, supporting documentation, packaging, and current availability.
Polysorbate 40 is an ethoxylated sorbitan ester based on palmitic acid. It is commonly described as Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monopalmitate and is identified by the INCI name Polysorbate 40.
It belongs to the polysorbate family of nonionic surfactants. Its polyoxyethylene groups contribute hydrophilic characteristics, while the palmitate portion contributes lipophilic characteristics. This combination allows the ingredient to be evaluated in formulations containing both water-based and oil-based components.
Polysorbate 40 is associated with surfactant-emulsifying and surfactant-cleansing functions in cosmetic ingredient references. It may also be investigated for dispersion and wetting applications when supported by formulation testing.
Polysorbate 40 should not be confused with Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 60, or Polysorbate 80. These ingredients have different fatty-acid components and may produce different formulation results. Substitution should be based on technical documentation and comparative testing rather than the polysorbate number alone.
Molecular formula and molecular weight: Polysorbate 40 is a mixture of ethoxylated sorbitan esters rather than one perfectly uniform molecular species. Some databases provide a formula for a representative structure, but it should not automatically be applied to every commercial grade. Use grade-specific technical documentation when a defined molecular or compositional value is required.
These are potential formulation benefits, not guaranteed results. Finished-product stability, cleansing performance, compatibility, and safety must be evaluated under the intended conditions of use.
Polysorbate 40 may be evaluated in suitable cream and lotion formulations where emulsifying performance is required. The complete emulsifier system, oil phase, water phase, processing conditions, and stabilising ingredients determine the final product's stability.
Its listed surfactant-cleansing function makes Polysorbate 40 relevant to the evaluation of selected cleansing formulations. Formulators should assess cleansing performance, rinsability, appearance, and compatibility with the other ingredients.
Polysorbate 40 can be screened in selected gel and personal care systems when its documented characteristics suit the intended application. The effects on clarity, viscosity, texture, and stability should be evaluated experimentally.
Polysorbate 40 may be considered when evaluating systems in which oily components are dispersed within an aqueous phase. The appropriate emulsifier combination and concentration depend on the oil phase, processing method, and desired product characteristics.
Formulators may investigate Polysorbate 40 for dispersion or wetting applications when its properties are suitable for the material being incorporated. Performance should be confirmed through testing with the actual ingredients.
Polysorbate 40 can be included in comparative formulation studies involving nonionic surfactants and emulsifiers. It should not be treated as a universal replacement for other polysorbates without evaluating the resulting product.
Polysorbate 40 is included in cosmetic ingredient references and has been assessed as part of broader reviews of polysorbates. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review concluded that the polysorbates covered by its assessment are safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating, subject to the assessment's qualifications.
This assessment should not be interpreted as blanket approval for every grade, concentration, product type, or market. Cosmetic manufacturers should review the applicable safety assessment, the supplied safety data sheet, and current regulations for each target market. The finished formulation should undergo an appropriate safety assessment before commercialisation.
Swapnroop supports cosmetic ingredient evaluation by providing product information for formulation and procurement discussions.
Confirm the offered grade, technical documentation, current availability, and commercial terms before placing an order.
Polysorbate 40 is a nonionic surfactant based on palmitic-acid ester chemistry. It is identified by the INCI name Polysorbate 40, CAS number 9005-66-7, and CosIng reference 79320.
Cosmetic manufacturers in India may evaluate Polysorbate 40 for suitable emulsifying and cleansing applications. Selection should be based on the intended product, commercial grade, technical specification, compatibility, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Contact Swapnroop to discuss Polysorbate 40 requirements, including intended use, required grade, quantity, packaging, and documentation needs. Confirm current availability and commercial details 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 with 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 40 is a nonionic surfactant also known as Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monopalmitate. It is used in suitable cosmetic formulations for emulsifying and cleansing functions.
The CAS number is 9005-66-7.
The INCI name is Polysorbate 40.
The CosIng reference is 79320.
Its listed functions include surfactant-emulsifying and surfactant-cleansing.
It may be evaluated in suitable cream and lotion formulations where emulsifying performance is required. Suitability depends on the complete formulation and testing results.
Not automatically. These ingredients differ in their fatty-acid components and may perform differently. Comparative testing is recommended before substitution.
A single molecular weight should not be treated as universally representative of every commercial grade. Check grade-specific documentation when a numerical value is needed.
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 |