polisorbat

Polysorbate, commonly spelled polysorbat in some languages, refers to a family of nonionic surfactants used as emulsifiers and solubilizers. They are synthetic esters derived from sorbitol, fatty acids, and ethylene oxide, giving a hydrophilic polyoxyethylene chain attached to a sorbitan-fatty acid ester. The result is a versatile emulsifier that stabilizes oil-in-water mixtures and helps dissolve hydrophobic compounds.

Common variants include polysorbate 20 (monolaurate), 40 (monopalmitate), 60 (monostearate), and 80 (monooleate), which differ in fatty acid chain length and HLB value.

Applications include use in the food industry as emulsifiers and texturizers; in cosmetics as solubilizers and stabilizers; and in pharmaceuticals to improve solubility and as excipients. They are also used in some vaccine formulations as stabilizers to maintain the integrity of active ingredients.

Safety and regulation: Polysorbates are generally recognized as safe for foods by regulatory authorities at approved levels and are widely permitted in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. Adverse effects are rare but can occur in sensitive individuals, including allergic reactions. High doses may cause laxative effects when ingested. Manufacturing quality matters, as trace impurities such as 1,4-dioxane can be present if not properly controlled.

See also: Sorbitan esters; nonionic surfactants.