Polysorbate-20 (Tween 20)
Purenso Select Polysorbate-20 / Tween 20 is a high-quality cosmetic ingredient used to improve the dispersion and solubilization of oil-based ingredients in water-based systems. It is especially useful for formulators working with essential oils, fragrance oils, light oils, oil-soluble extracts, and aromatic blends.
Polysorbate-20 is a preferred choice for water-based products where a lighter solubilizer is required. It helps reduce separation, improves uniformity, and supports smooth dispersion of fragrance or essential oil components in finished cosmetic formulations.
Being non-ionic, Polysorbate-20 is compatible with a wide range of ingredients including surfactants, humectants, botanical extracts, preservatives, and water-based actives. It is suitable for both beginner DIY creators and professional cosmetic formulators.
Why People Use This Product: To solubilize fragrance oil into water based products. Final product is cloudy.
Key Benefits:
- Helps solubilize essential oils and fragrance oils in water-based products
- Supports clear and uniform dispersion in cosmetic formulations
- Helps reduce oil separation in sprays, mists, toners, and cleansers
- Non-ionic and broadly compatible with many cosmetic ingredients
- Suitable for skincare, haircare, bath, body care, and cleansing products
- Useful for light fragrance solubilization
- Ideal for water-based sprays, micellar waters, shampoos, and shower gels
- Suitable for DIY and professional cosmetic formulation use
Use: Polysorbate-20 can be used in:
- Face mists
- Body sprays
- Room sprays
- Toners
- Micellar waters
- Face cleansers
- Shampoos
- Shower gels
- Liquid soaps
- Hand washes
- Hair mists
- Water-based fragrance blends
- Essential oil sprays
- Bath and body care products
- DIY skincare and haircare formulations
Application: Polysorbate-20 is generally used to solubilize small amounts of essential oils, fragrance oils, or light oil-soluble ingredients into water-based formulations.
For best results, premix Polysorbate-20 with the fragrance oil or essential oil first, then slowly add this blend into the water phase while mixing properly.
Recommended starting ratios:
-
For light fragrance or essential oil solubilization: 1:1 to 3:1
Example: 1 g fragrance oil + 1–3 g Polysorbate-20 -
For clearer water-based sprays or mists: 3:1 to 5:1
Example: 1 g essential oil + 3–5 g Polysorbate-20
The exact ratio depends on the oil type, fragrance composition, clarity requirement, water content, and final product format.
Suggested Usage Rate
- Leave-on products: 0.5% – 5%
- Rinse-off products: 1% – 10%
- Water-based sprays and mists: 1% – 8%
- Fragrance or essential oil solubilization: ratio-based, commonly 1:1 to 5:1 depending on clarity and stability needs
Always make a small trial batch before scaling production.
INCI Name: Polysorbate 20
Phthalates: Product is Phthalate Free
Interesting Facts: Allows oil to bind with water. Depending on your formula, your end product may be cloudy.
Formulation Tips
- Premix Polysorbate-20 with fragrance oil or essential oil before adding it to water.
- Add slowly while mixing to avoid cloudiness or separation.
- If the product becomes cloudy, increase the Polysorbate-20 ratio gradually.
- For clear sprays and mists, check clarity after 24–48 hours.
- Some fragrance oils may need a higher solubilizer ratio than essential oils.
- Always perform compatibility and stability testing before final product launch.
This product is a cosmetic raw material and is intended for external use only in cosmetic and personal care formulations. It is not intended for internal consumption or medicinal use.
- Do not ingest.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Avoid direct contact with eyes.
All product images are for illustrative purposes only. Actual product color, texture, or packaging may vary from batch to batch.
Information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered or interpreted as medical advice.
While we do not offer products for internal use, we source only high-quality, pharmaceutical or food-grade ingredients. Ingredient purity and performance are critical in cosmetic applications, just as they are in ingestible products.
Please note:
Just because two products have the same name or CAS number does not guarantee the same grade, purity, or effectiveness. Always choose trusted suppliers. Choose Purenso for premium-grade ingredients you can rely on.
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