Tween-20 Coconut Acid (Polysorbate 20) is a water-soluble nonionic surfactant, appearing as a light yellow to amber viscous liquid. With a high HLB value of 16.7, it is highly suitable for preparing oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions or as a solubilizer to uniformly disperse oil-soluble fragrances and active ingredients in water-based products. For use, it is generally recommended to add this product to warm water (40-50°C) under stirring to dissolve or disperse. Avoid direct mixing with high-concentration electrolytes or acids/alkalis; it is advisable to first dilute with an appropriate amount of water before adding to the formulation to achieve optimal compatibility and efficacy.
When used as an O/W emulsifier, first mix the oil phase components (such as vegetable oils, silicone oils, fragrances, etc.) uniformly, then slowly and evenly add the aqueous solution of Tween-20 Coconut Acid to the oil phase under stirring. If the formulation also contains fatty acids or fatty alcohol co-emulsifiers (such as Span series), it is recommended to add Tween-20 Coconut Acid to the water phase and the co-emulsifier to the oil phase, dissolve them separately at 70-75°C, and then slowly inject the water phase into the oil phase for homogenization and emulsification. This results in a finer droplet size and better stability of the emulsion. When used as a solubilizer, it is generally necessary to premix the fragrance or oil-soluble active ingredient with this product, then add to water and stir until clear and transparent.
The recommended dosage of this product varies by application field (data source: product characteristics and industry practices): For cosmetic creams, lotions, cleansing oils, and shampoos, the typical dosage is 1.0% - 5.0%; as a pharmaceutical solubilizing carrier, the dosage range can be determined between 0.5% - 5.0% depending on the solubility difficulty of the active ingredient; in the food industry, strict compliance with the limits of E432 is required, with the dosage usually between 0.1% - 0.5%; for agrochemicals (pesticide microemulsions, suspensions), the typical dosage is 2% - 8%; in textile and industrial cleaning applications as a wetting agent or antistatic agent, the working solution concentration is usually controlled at 0.1% - 1.0%.
| Parameter Name | Technical Index | Guidance for Usage Method |
|---|---|---|
| HLB Value | 16.7 | Excellent water solubility, suitable for preparing O/W emulsions or as a solubilizer |
| Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) | ~6×10⁻⁵ mol/L (approximately 0.007% w/v) | Extremely low CMC value means micelles can form at very low concentrations, high solubilization efficiency |
| Active Content | ≥97% | High purity, can calculate formulation dosage directly based on active ingredient |
| pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution) | 5.0 - 7.0 | Nearly neutral, good compatibility with skin, minimal impact on formulation system pH |
| Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution) | >100°C | Stable under normal operating and sterilization temperatures, will not fail due to precipitation |
| Kinematic Viscosity (25°C) | ~400 mm²/s | Liquid is relatively viscous; it is recommended to use a pump with heating function or preheat with water before pouring for accurate metering |