Polysorbate 80 is a surfactant that is widely used in cosmetology. It dissolves perfectly in water, stabilizes the formation of foam, and also softens, soothes and moisturizes the skin. Thanks to such features, this substance is very popular with manufacturers of handmade cosmetics.
Types of polysorbates
There are 4 types of polysorbates in total:
- polysorbate 20;
- polysorbate 40;
- polybrother 60;
- polysorbate 80, also called monooleate.
It is worth noting that all the listed surfactants are of natural origin only. They are obtained by processing fruits, seeds and fruits. The basis is the substance sorbitol, which has a slightly sweet aftertaste.
Later, oils are added to the sorbitol. The type of oil depends on which polysorbate will be prepared. For example, in the manufacture of TWEEN 20 and TWEEN 40 only coconut oil is used, TWEEN 60 - palm oil, TWEEN 80 - olive oil. Due to the use of natural ingredients and oils, these surfactants are very beneficial for facial skin, and in connectionSince sorbitol has an oil-dissolving property, creams and cosmetics based on TWEEN are perfectly absorbed into the skin.
How the polysorbate number affects its properties
All of the listed polysorbates, including TWEEN 80 polysorbate, are perfectly soluble in ethyl alcohol, but it is not used in the manufacture of cosmetics. They also work well with any vegetable oils. Mineral oils and other refined petroleum products do not interact with surfactants in any way, so they are not suitable for joint use.
The polysorbate number affects where it will be used. For example, polysorbate 20 is commonly used to make essential oils.
Polysorbate 80 has slightly different properties. It is especially popular with cosmetologists because of its ability to create moderate foam. However, the higher the polysorbate number, the more foam it can form.
Properties of TWIN 80
First of all, this polysorbate goes well with other types of surfactants. It works great with essential oils. Serves as a dispersing and wetting agent.
Surfactant polysorbate 80 is harmful or not? This question is often asked by women cosmetologists. How safe is it to use in creams and shampoos? In fact, it is practically harmless to the skin of the body and face, as well as hair. The fact is that it is able to noticeably soothe the skin even during its irritation, and it will give the hair shine, strength and accelerate their growth.
In addition, this substance hasexcellent properties that noticeably reduce friction. This ability of the surfactant allowed cosmetologists to use it in almost all products, which, for example, are designed for gentle and gentle cleansing of the skin of the face and body.
Where Polysorbate 80 is used
This surfactant is used exclusively for the manufacture of cosmetic products. It can be found in almost all skincare products, but it is most often used in hydrophilic oils for face, body and shower, hydrophilic tiles, milk cleansers, sugar and s alt scrubs.
In addition, surfactants are actively used for the preparation of shampoos and balms. Especially often it can be found in hair cosmetics that fight hair loss.
Effervescent bath bombs are also made on the basis of TWEEN 80. Interestingly, the more surfactants in the bombs, the longer they retain their effervescent properties.
Face tonics, air fresheners (water-based only), deodorants without the use of alcohol, as well as body sprays and other cosmetic products that do not require the use of an alcohol base are made from TWEEN. It is worth recalling that alcohol has a detrimental effect on the beneficial properties of TWEEN 80, and also destroys it. Therefore, its use with alcohol is unacceptable.
TWEEN 80. Directions for use
Any surfactant should be used correctly, including polysorbate 80. Its use in emulsions consisting of oil and water has astabilizing effect on the composition. Cosmetologists recommend using this surfactant in its pure form for the preparation, for example, of a cleansing liquid milk for the face. Such a product will turn out to be of high quality.
TWEEN 80 is used in concentrations from 1% to 50%. Most often, a dosage of 1% to 5% surfactant is used, but it all depends on the formulation of the product being manufactured. It is worth noting that the higher concentration of TWEEN 80 is generally used only for the use of solid products. This surfactant is able to thicken the final product. The most liquid product is obtained using 1% of the composition. If in the manufacture of cosmetics a product with a higher concentration was used, then in this case the milk or shampoo will be much thicker. This must be taken into account for ease of use.
If it is necessary to dissolve essential oils, then one part of polysorbate and 0.5 parts of oil are used. Sometimes you can increase the amount of oil to one unit.
