About Polysorbate 60 and 80
- Food: Polysorbate is used as an emulsifier and solubilizer in foods like bread, cake mix, salad dressing, shortening oil, and chocolate. Polysorbate 60 is safe to consume and has been approved by the FDA, EFSA, and JECFA.
- Cosmetics: Polysorbate is used as a surfactant in soaps and cosmetics. It helps distribute essential oils, fragrances, and colorants evenly in water for lotions, creams, hair products, skin care products, and makeup products.
- Pharmaceuticals: Polysorbate is used as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and stabilizer in pharmaceutical products. It’s also used as an excipient to stabilize aqueous formulations of medications for parenteral administration or vaccinations.
- Biotherapeutic formulations: Polysorbates are used to protect protein-based active pharmaceutical ingredients against interfacial stresses and consequent aggregation.
- Microbiological control: Polysorbate 80 is used in RODAC agar plates to counteract disinfectants often found on sampled surfaces.
- Laboratory assays and industrial applications: Polysorbate 20 is used as a washing agent, stabilizer, and solubilizer.
- Ophthalmic solutions: Polysorbate 20 is used as a lubricant.
