Polysorbate 80

Description

In cosmetics, polysorbate 80 acts as a surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer. Polysorbate 80 is a non-ionic surfactant, which means it has a neutral charge. Surfactants attract and hold oils, dirt, and other contaminants that have accumulated on the skin and wash them away. Polysorbate 80 also acts as a solubilizer with a wide range of hydrophilic characteristics. It can be used alone or in combination with other hydrophobic emulsifiers to obtain many different types of emulsion systems, such as "oil in water" and "water in oil". When used alone, polysorbate 80 is an excellent solubilizer for ester oils and has good function as a wetting agent, viscosity modifier, antistatic agent, stabilizer, and dispersing agent. Polysorbate 80 can also improve the washability of anhydrous scrubs and cleansing oils.