Question

What is Tween T-20 coconut acid? What are its main uses?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 吐温T-20椰油酸

Tween T-20 coconut acid is a high-quality non-ionic O/W emulsifier and multifunctional surfactant, appearing as a light yellow to amber viscous liquid. It is widely used in various fields such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, textiles, pesticides, and industrial cleaning.

Product Overview

Tween T-20 coconut acid, with the chemical name Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monococoate (CAS No.: 9005-64-5), belongs to the polysorbate class of non-ionic surfactants. It is polymerized from sorbitan cocoate and 20 ethylene oxide molecules, exhibiting unique hydrophilic-lipophilic balance characteristics. This product shows excellent chemical stability in acidic, alkaline, and hard water media. It is classified as low toxicity or practically non-toxic, with no skin irritation and high safety.

Its core functions include four aspects: Efficient emulsification – quickly reducing oil-water interfacial tension to form stable and fine O/W emulsions; Excellent solubilization – effectively improving the solubility and dispersion uniformity of poorly soluble active ingredients in the aqueous phase; Superior wetting and spreading properties – significantly enhancing the spreading speed and coverage area of liquids on solid surfaces; Good dispersibility – effectively preventing secondary aggregation of solid particles and maintaining long-term stability of the suspension system.

Main Uses

1. Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

As a highly effective emulsifier and solubilizer, it is widely used in creams, lotions, makeup removers, toners, facial cleansers, and shampoos. It helps to blend oily actives and fragrances, imparting a refreshing, non-greasy skin feel while ensuring a fine and stable product texture.

2. Pharmaceutical Preparations

Used as an efficient solubilizing carrier and emulsifier to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of lipophilic drugs in aqueous systems. Suitable for oral liquids, injections, and topical ointments, ensuring precise delivery of active ingredients.

3. Food Industry

Conforms to the standards of INS 432 / E432 as a food emulsifier, used in baking fats, dairy beverages, seasoning sauces, etc. It helps improve mixing uniformity and mouthfeel, delay starch aging, and maintain product softness and excellent taste.

4. Textile and Chemical Fiber Industry

As an antistatic agent and softening treatment agent, it effectively eliminates static electricity accumulation on fibers during high-speed spinning and weaving processes, reduces friction damage, and imparts a smooth, fluffy feel to fabrics.

5. Agrochemicals

Used as a green pesticide emulsifier and tank-mix adjuvant, it significantly reduces the surface tension of spray solutions, enhancing wetting, spreading, and penetration on plant leaves, thereby improving efficacy and rainfastness. Its effects are particularly prominent in suspension concentrates and microemulsions.

6. Industrial Cleaning and Metalworking

In industrial detergent formulations, it serves as a core emulsifying and wetting component, enhancing the stripping and dispersion of oil stains. In cutting fluids and lubricants, it provides auxiliary emulsification, lubrication, and anti-rust functions, ensuring processing precision and surface finish of workpieces.

Technical Parameters

ParameterValue
Product NameTween T-20 Coconut Acid
Chemical NamePolyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monococoate
CAS No.9005-64-5
AliasesPolysorbate 20, Tween 20, PEG-20 Sorbitan Monolaurate
Product TypeNon-ionic Surfactant
AppearanceLight yellow to amber viscous liquid
Emulsion TypeO/W (Oil-in-Water)
Food Additive NumberINS 432 / E432
Shelf Life24 months (from date of manufacture)
Recommended Storage Temperature5°C to 35°C

Application Recommendations

  • Cosmetic Formulations: Recommended as an O/W emulsifier and solubilizer, suitable for creams, lotions, makeup removers, etc., providing a refreshing skin feel.
  • Pesticide Formulations: Added to suspension concentrates and microemulsions to effectively enhance the spreading and penetration of spray solutions on plant leaves.
  • Industrial Cleaning: Used as a core emulsifying and wetting component, compounded with anionic or non-ionic surfactants to improve detergency.
  • Food Processing: Use according to E432 standard dosage to improve emulsification stability and mouthfeel in baked goods and dairy beverages.

Precautions

  • It is recommended to wear protective gloves and safety goggles during operation to avoid prolonged skin contact or accidental splashing into eyes.
  • In case of eye contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.
  • Keep container tightly closed during storage, store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, away from strong oxidizers, strong acids, and strong alkalis.
  • After opening, reseal promptly to prevent moisture absorption and contamination.
  • This product is non-irritating to the skin under normal use conditions and is a low-toxicity substance, but it is still recommended to follow basic industrial hygiene practices.