Tween 85 (Polysorbate 85): A Versatile Nonionic Surfactant

What is Tween 85?

Tween 85, also known as Polysorbate 85, is a nonionic surfactant derived from sorbitan and polyethylene glycol. It is widely used in various industries due to its excellent emulsifying, solubilizing, and dispersing properties. It is often used in the formulation of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products.

Chemical Structure and Properties

• Chemical Formula: C64H126O26

• Molecular Weight: 1,310.75 g/mol

• Appearance: Tween 85 is a viscous, pale yellow liquid at room temperature.

• Solubility: It is soluble in water and miscible with alcohols and oils.

• HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance): 11, which indicates its moderate emulsifying properties.

Applications of Tween 85

1. Cosmetics and Personal Care:

   • Tween 85 is widely used in cosmetic formulations as an emulsifier in products like creams, lotions, and shampoos. It helps to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions, ensuring uniform texture and preventing separation.

   
   

2. Pharmaceuticals:

   • In the pharmaceutical industry, Tween 85 is used as a solubilizer for poorly soluble drugs, helping to improve the bioavailability of active ingredients. It is also used in injectable formulations and as an excipients in oral medications.

   
   

3. Food Industry:

   • Tween 85 is used in food processing as an emulsifier and stabilizer in products like margarine, ice cream, and salad dressings, helping to maintain texture and prevent ingredient separation.

   
   

4. Agriculture:

   • In agriculture, Tween 85 is used as an adjuvant in pesticide formulations, enhancing the spread and penetration of active ingredients on plant surfaces.

   
   

5. Industrial Applications:

   • Tween 85 is used in various industrial applications, including cleaning agents, paints, and detergents, where it helps to improve the dispersion of active ingredients.

   
   

How Does Tween 85 Work?

1. Emulsification:

   • As an emulsifier, Tween 85 facilitates the formation of stable emulsions by reducing the surface tension between oil and water phases, allowing them to mix and remain stable over time.

   
   

2. Solubilization:

   • Tween 85 helps to solubilize hydrophobic compounds, making them more bioavailable in aqueous solutions. This is particularly useful in pharmaceutical and food applications where certain ingredients may be poorly soluble in water.

   
   

3. Stabilization:

   • Tween 85 helps to stabilize formulations by preventing the separation of components, ensuring a consistent texture and quality in products like creams, lotions, and food emulsions.

   
   

Benefits of Tween 85

1. Versatility:

   • Tween 85 is highly versatile and can be used in a wide range of applications, from cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to food and agriculture.

   
   

2. Improved Product Stability:

   • It helps to improve the stability and shelf life of emulsions and formulations by preventing phase separation and maintaining uniformity.

   
   

3. Non-toxic and Safe:

   • Tween 85 is generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products when used according to established guidelines.

   
   

4. Enhances Bioavailability:

   • By improving the solubility of hydrophobic compounds, Tween 85 enhances the bioavailability of active ingredients, especially in pharmaceutical formulations.

   
   

Why Choose JIN DUN CHEMICAL’s Tween 85?

At JIN DUN CHEMICAL, we provide high-quality Tween 85 that meets the stringent requirements of various industries.

• Superior Quality: Our Tween 85 is produced under controlled conditions, ensuring consistent quality and performance in every batch.

• Competitive Pricing: We offer affordable pricing without compromising on quality, making it an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes.

• Global Standards: Our products comply with international standards, ensuring they meet regulatory requirements for use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and agriculture.

Usage Recommendations

1. Dosage:

   • The recommended dosage of Tween 85 varies depending on the application. For emulsification, it is typically used at concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 5% by weight, depending on the formulation.

   
   

2. Handling:

   • Tween 85 should be handled with care in a well-ventilated area. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and keep it sealed in a cool, dry place.

   
   

3. Storage:

   • Store Tween 85 in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry location. Avoid exposure to moisture and direct sunlight to maintain its effectiveness.

   
   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between Tween 85 and other polysorbates?
A1: Tween 85 has a moderate HLB value (11), which makes it suitable for emulsifying oil-in-water formulations. Other polysorbates like Tween 20 or Tween 80 may have different HLB values, making them better suited for different types of emulsions.

Q2: Is Tween 85 safe for use in food products?
A2: Yes, Tween 85 is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used in accordance with established guidelines for food products.

Q3: How does Tween 85 improve drug solubility in pharmaceutical formulations?
A3: Tween 85 acts as a solubilizer, helping to dissolve hydrophobic drugs in aqueous solutions, improving their bioavailability and effectiveness in pharmaceutical applications.

Q4: Can Tween 85 be used in personal care products?
A4: Yes, Tween 85 is commonly used in cosmetic formulations as an emulsifier, stabilizing ingredients in products like lotions, shampoos, and creams.

Partner with JIN DUN CHEMICAL for High-Quality Tween 85

Choose JIN DUN CHEMICAL for reliable, high-performance Tween 85. Whether you're in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, food, or agriculture industries, our products deliver the results you need. Contact us today to learn more!