What is polisorbat 80?

Polysorbate 80, also known as polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, is a nonionic surfactant commonly used in cosmetics, food additives, and pharmaceuticals. It is made up of a polyethylene glycol chain and a sorbitan fatty acid ester, which gives it emulsifying and solubilizing properties.

Polysorbate 80 is commonly used as an emulsifier to mix oil and water-based ingredients together in products such as lotions, creams, and cleansers. In the food industry, it is used as a stabilizer for emulsions, such as in ice cream and mayonnaise, and as a defoaming agent in beer production.

In the pharmaceutical industry, polysorbate 80 is used as an excipient, particularly in the formulation of injectable drugs. It helps to increase the solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs.

While it is generally considered safe for consumption and topical application, polysorbate 80 can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. It should also be used with caution in people with liver or kidney problems, as it can cause hyperbilirubinemia (elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood).