Polysorbate 81 (inci)

Polysorbates are mixtures of partial esters of sorbitol and its anhydrides with higher fatty acids (C12-C18), copolymerized with approximately 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of sorbitol. Polysorbates are usually present in oily form.

The polymers are non-ionic surfactants and are used in cosmetic formulations (and pharmaceuticals) as surfactants and emulsifiers. Polysorbates are also used as solubilizers for substances with little or no water solubility like essential oils and resins. Otherwise they are used as wetting agents or as emulsifiers in food, cleaning agents and water-insoluble drugs.

Polysorbate 81 denotes the monoester of polyethylene glycol sorbitol with (8=) oleic acid with (1=) 4-5 polyoxyethylene units. The substance mixture is used in cosmetic formulations. It acts as an emulsifier (surface-active substance which is used as an auxiliary agent in cosmetic products in order to combine two immiscible liquids - e.g. oil and water - to form an emulsion).