CH032 Tween 20 (polysorbate 20)

Tween 20 (Polysorbate 20) is a gentle, non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from sorbitol and lauric acid. It is widely used in cosmetics, skincare, and food products to blend oil and water, ensuring a smooth and stable formulation. Commonly found in creams, lotions, and serums, Tween 20 also acts as a solubilizer for essential oils and fragrances. Its mild nature makes it suitable for sensitive skin and various applications.

• Sorbitol/Sorbitan: Forms the hydrophilic sugar backbone.
• Lauric Acid: A 12-carbon fatty acid that provides a lipophilic (hydrophobic) hydrocarbon tail.
• Ethylene Oxide (EO): Roughly 20 units of ethylene oxide are added to make the molecule water-soluble and act as a detergent.
• Formula/Mass: The structure is approximately
  

  $C_{58}{H}_{114}{O}_{26}$
  with a molecular weight of roughly 1,225–1,280 Da. 

• Nature: It is a yellowish, viscous liquid with a high Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) value, making it effective for oil-in-water emulsions.
• Uses: Used as a solubilizer for fragrances, a wetting agent in oral/parenteral suspensions, and a blocking agent in immunoassays (ELISA, Western blot) to reduce non-specific antibody binding.
• Safety: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS), it is non-toxic and used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.