CAS 9005-64-5
Polysorbate 20
CAS 9005-64-5C58H114O261227 g/mol
Polysorbate 20 is a versatile non-ionic surfactant primarily used as an emulsifier and solubilizer across various industries. Known for its ability to blend oils and water, it is extensively utilized in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and the food industry. In cosmetics, for example, it stabilizes and emulsifies formulations like lotions and creams. The food industry values it as an additive (E432) to improve texture and stability. Pharmaceutical applications include solubilizing active ingredients. In Kenya, Polysorbate 20 is supplied by local vendors such as Zenco Systems Ltd, catering to multiple sectors with its high purity and reliability.
Main applicationCosmetics and personal care — Emulsifier and solubilizer in creams and lotions
Polysorbate 20 plays a critical role in many industries by enabling the blending and stabilization of diverse substances. Its non-ionic nature and high purity make it indispensable for creating consistent and high-quality formulations. From cosmetics to food processing, its multifunctional use facilitates product innovation and enhances ingredient compatibility.
Also known as
- Tween 20
- E432

Trade pricing
Quoted per enquiry
Pricing depends on volume, grade and delivery point. Our desk responds within two working hours.
Available packaging
- 25 kg drums available
- ensuring ease of use and transportation.
Documentation
Batch-specific COA issued with every consignment.
Technical specifications
- CAS number
- 9005-64-5
- Chemical formula
- C58H114O26
- Molecular weight
- 1227 g/mol
- Grade
- Technical grade
- Appearance
- Viscous clear to pale yellow liquid
- Density
- 1.1 g/mL
- Density
- 1.1 g/mL
- Purity
- 98.5%–99% %
- HLB value
- 16.7
- Saponification value
- 40-50 mg KOH/g
- Hydroxyl value
- 96-108 mg KOH/g
- Oxyethylene content
- 70-74 %
- Acid value
- ≤2
- Residue on ignition
- ≤0.25 %
- Water content
- ≤3 %
Polysorbate 20, or GLORBATE-20, exhibits characteristics that suit it for a wide range of applications. It is a viscous, clear to pale yellow liquid with a density of approximately 1.1 g/mL. The high purity levels, ranging from 98.5% to 99%, make it suitable for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, and industrial uses. Selecting the appropriate grade depends on the specific requirements of the application, whether it involves emulsification, solubilization, or surfactancy. When ordering, buyers specify the grade needed, and suppliers like GLORIA offer 25 kg drum packaging that ensures convenient handling and usage.
Delivery
Polysorbate 20 is dispatched from our Nairobi warehouse across Kenya, and export delivery is arranged to the wider East African market. Lead time depends on quantity and grade and is confirmed with your quotation — see delivery and collection for the towns we reach and how dispatch works.
Applications & uses
- Cosmetics and personal care — Emulsifier and solubilizer in creams and lotions
- Pharmaceuticals — Solubilization of active ingredients
- Food industry — Emulsifier and stabilizer (E432)
- Industrial — Surfactant in detergents and cleaning products
- Textile industry — Fiber lubrication and wetting agent
- Agriculture — Surfactant in fertilizer and pesticide formulations
- Ink and paint industry — Stability and emulsification
- Specialized uses — Stamp removal by philatelists
Industries we supply this to
Why buy this from Sparks
- High emulsifying capability — blends oils with water seamlessly
- Non-ionic and gentle — suitable for sensitive cosmetic formulations
- High purity — reliable for pharmaceutical and food applications
- Efficient solubilizer — facilitates the use of active ingredients
- Stable under various conditions — consistent performance across industries
- Versatile packaging options — facilitates logistics and handling
Quality assurance
- Batches are checked against the specification values listed above before dispatch.
State what your process, auditor or customs clearance requires when you request a quotation, and it is confirmed with the quote.
Safety, handling & storage
Always consult the full Safety Data Sheet before handling. Personnel must use appropriate PPE and follow local regulations for storage, transport and disposal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of Polysorbate 20?
The CAS registry number for Polysorbate 20 is 9005-64-5. Its chemical formula is C58H114O26, with a molecular weight of 1227 g/mol. Quote this number when requesting a quotation or checking documentation, as it identifies the substance unambiguously regardless of the trade name used.
What are the other names for Polysorbate 20?
Polysorbate 20 is also referred to as Tween 20 and E432. These names describe the same substance, so a specification or enquiry written against any of them can be matched to this product.
What grade of Polysorbate 20 is supplied?
Polysorbate 20 is supplied as Technical grade. State the grade your process requires when requesting a quotation — where an alternative grade can be sourced, it is confirmed at quotation stage rather than assumed.
What does Polysorbate 20 look like?
Polysorbate 20 is described as viscous clear to pale yellow liquid. Appearance is a useful first check on receipt of goods, though it does not replace the certificate of analysis for confirming that the material meets specification.
What is Polysorbate 20 used for?
Common applications include cosmetics and personal care — Emulsifier and solubilizer in creams and lotions, pharmaceuticals — Solubilization of active ingredients, food industry — Emulsifier and stabilizer (E432), industrial — Surfactant in detergents and cleaning products, textile industry — Fiber lubrication and wetting agent and agriculture — Surfactant in fertilizer and pesticide formulations. The suitability of the product for a particular process depends on the grade and specification required, which is worth confirming against your own process conditions.
Which industries use Polysorbate 20?
Polysorbate 20 is supplied to the Water Treatment, Food Processing & Beverage, Agriculture & Agrochemicals, Mining & Minerals, Construction & Admixtures, Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Cleaning & Detergents, Paints, Coatings & Inks, Textile & Leather Tanning, Oil, Gas & Energy and Laboratories & Research sectors. These are the industries this product is listed against in our catalogue; if your application falls outside them, we can advise on suitability before you order.
What packaging is Polysorbate 20 available in?
Polysorbate 20 is supplied in 25 kg drums available, ensuring ease of use and transportation. Where a different pack size or bulk delivery is required, it is confirmed at quotation stage against availability rather than listed here as standard.
What is the HS code for Polysorbate 20?
Polysorbate 20 is recorded against the EC number 500-018-3 and the HS customs code 34021300 or 34024200. Quote this on customs and export paperwork; it is confirmed again on the commercial invoice for your specific consignment.
References
Technical information on this page was compiled from the following published sources. Safety and handling data always comes from the supplier’s own safety data sheet.
- 1.Substances Added to Food <em>(formerly EAFUS)</em>hfpappexternal.fda.gov
- 2.Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) | Cosmetic Grade-Surfactants-PRODUCTS-Shaanxi Huikangyuan Biomedical Technology Co., Ltd.hky-biomedical.com
- 3.Polysorbate 20dcfinechemicals.com
- 4.Polysorbate 20en.wikipedia.org
- 5.Polysorbate 20 in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania - Zenco Systems Ltdzenithcoltd.com
- 6.Polysorbate 20 100 mL | Buy Online | Thermo Scientific Chemicals | thermofisher.comthermofisher.com
- 7.TWEEN 20 ( Polysorbate 20) - Kefmannkefmann.com
- 8.Effective Polysorbate dosage for fertilizer application?reddit.com
- 9.Polysorbate 20 – Formulators Hub Kenyaformulatorshubkenya.com
- 10.JUCA Polysorbate 20 @ Best Price Onlinejumia.co.ke
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