Polysorbate 60 is a nonionic surfactant used in cosmetic and personal care formulation development. Also known as Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monostearate, it is a mixture of ethoxylated sorbitan esters containing stearate and palmitate components. It is valued for its emulsifying and surfactant properties in suitable formulations.
In cosmetic applications, Polysorbate 60 can help support the incorporation and stabilisation of oil and water phases. It may be evaluated in creams, lotions, cleansing products, makeup preparations, and other personal care formulations where emulsifying performance and product stability are important.
Its behaviour depends on the commercial grade, fatty-acid composition, concentration, processing conditions, and interactions with other ingredients. Formulators should assess emulsion stability, texture, viscosity, appearance, and compatibility through laboratory testing before selecting the ingredient for commercial production.
Swapnroop provides cosmetic ingredient information to support formulation evaluation and procurement discussions. Before purchasing Polysorbate 60, confirm the commercial grade, technical specifications, supporting documentation, packaging, and current availability.
Polysorbate 60 is a nonionic surfactant made from sorbitol and its anhydrides, combined with stearic-acid and palmitic-acid esters and ethoxylated with approximately 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of the relevant sorbitol components.
It is commonly known as Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monostearate and is identified by the INCI name Polysorbate 60. Despite the common chemical name, the recognised compendial definition describes a mixture of stearate and palmitate esters rather than one single, chemically uniform molecule.
The hydrophilic polyoxyethylene groups and lipophilic fatty-acid components contribute to the ingredient's surfactant and emulsifying characteristics. This combination makes Polysorbate 60 relevant to formulations containing both aqueous and oily ingredients.
Polysorbate 60 should not be confused with Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 40, or Polysorbate 80. These ingredients have different fatty-acid profiles and may perform differently in a finished formulation. Substitution should be based on the required performance, grade documentation, and comparative testing.
Molecular formula and molecular weight: Polysorbate 60 is a complex mixture, so a single molecular formula or molecular weight should not be presented as universally representative of all commercial grades. Values reported for individual representative structures may differ from the properties of the complete mixture. Use grade-specific technical documentation when a defined compositional or analytical value is required.
These are potential formulation benefits rather than guaranteed results. The final outcome depends on the complete ingredient system, processing method, and intended use.
Polysorbate 60 may be evaluated in suitable cream and lotion formulations where emulsifying performance is required. The oil phase, water phase, emulsifier combination, stabilisers, and manufacturing conditions influence the finished product's texture and stability.
Formulators may consider Polysorbate 60 when developing selected moisturising preparations containing both aqueous and oily components. Compatibility, consistency, appearance, and stability should be assessed in the complete formulation.
Polysorbate 60 can be evaluated in suitable cleansing systems where its surfactant characteristics are relevant. The intended product type and other surfactants determine whether it meets the desired cleansing and rinsing requirements.
The ingredient may be considered during the development of selected makeup and colour cosmetic products when emulsifying performance is required. Formulators should assess compatibility with pigments, oils, waxes, and other components used in the intended product.
Polysorbate 60 can be screened in oil-in-water formulation development. Its performance depends on the composition of the oil phase, emulsifier system, processing conditions, and the stability requirements of the finished product.
Polysorbate 60 may be included in comparative testing when evaluating nonionic surfactants and emulsifiers. It should not be treated as a universal replacement for other polysorbates without confirming performance in the intended formulation.
Polysorbate 60 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 unrestricted approval for every grade, concentration, product type, or market. Cosmetic manufacturers should review the relevant safety assessment, the supplied safety data sheet, and current requirements in 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 60 is a nonionic surfactant based on ethoxylated sorbitan esters containing stearate and palmitate components. It is identified by the INCI name Polysorbate 60, CAS number 9005-67-8, and CosIng reference 79321.
Cosmetic manufacturers in India may evaluate Polysorbate 60 for suitable emulsifying and surfactant applications. Selection should be based on the intended product, commercial grade, technical specification, formulation compatibility, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Contact Swapnroop to discuss Polysorbate 60 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 60 is a nonionic surfactant commonly known as Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monostearate. It is a mixture of ethoxylated sorbitan esters containing stearate and palmitate components.
The CAS number is 9005-67-8.
The INCI name is Polysorbate 60.
The CosIng reference is 79321.
It may be evaluated in suitable emulsifying and surfactant systems, including selected creams, lotions, cleansing products, and makeup formulations.
It may be considered in suitable cream and lotion formulations where emulsifying performance is required. Suitability depends on the complete formulation and testing results.
Not automatically. These ingredients have different fatty-acid components and can behave differently. Comparative testing is recommended before substitution.
A single molecular weight should not be treated as universally representative of every commercial grade because the ingredient is a mixture. Use grade-specific documentation when a numerical value is required.
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 |