Polysorbate 60
Tween 60
- CAS
- 9005-67-8
- EC
- 500-020-4
- Food Code
- E435
- Sectors
- Food & Nutrition, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Animal Nutrition
Polysorbate 60 (CAS 9005-67-8) is a non-ionic emulsifier derived from sorbitol, stearic acid and ethylene oxide, supplied as a tan paste or waxy solid, and used to build stable oil-in-water emulsions in bakery goods, frozen desserts, topical creams and animal feed. It excels in creating stable oil-in-water emulsions, with good thermal stability up to 100°C, commonly utilized in formulations requiring consistent texture and phase separation prevention across varying pH levels.
Typical Properties
| Appearance | Tan paste |
|---|---|
| Form | powder to lump to clear liquid |
| Color | White or Colorless to Yellow |
| Odor | mild alcoholic |
| Melting point | 45-50 °C |
| Density | 1.07 g/cm³ |
| Water solubility | 100 g/L |
| Flash point | >230 °F |
| pH | 5.5-7.7 (50g/l, H2O, 25°C) |
| HS code | 34021300 |
| Grades available | Food Grade |
Typical literature values for identification; lot-specific results are stated on the certificate of analysis (COA) and the safety data sheet (SDS) that accompany every delivery.
Polysorbate 60
Applications
Essential in bakery goods for dough strengthening and crumb softening; in frozen desserts to inhibit ice crystal formation; in topical creams for uniform dispersion of active ingredients; in industrial oils as anti-foaming agents; and in animal nutrition for feed emulsification enhancing nutrient absorption.
Safety & Risks
Generally well-tolerated with low acute toxicity, but may provoke skin sensitization or gastrointestinal discomfort in high concentrations; not recommended for direct inhalation. Per EFSA evaluations, adhere to purity standards to minimize impurities; employ protective gear like gloves and goggles during mixing to avoid splashes or prolonged contact.
Packaging
Shipped in 180 kg epoxy-coated steel barrels with pressure-release valves for safe transport. Maintain upright in temperature-monitored facilities, labeled for quick identification in multi-product storage systems.