Polysorbate 80 is a surfactant that is widely used in cosmetology. It is highly soluble in water, stabilizes the formation of foam, and also softens, soothes and moisturizes the skin. Due to such features, this substance is very popular among manufacturers of handmade cosmetics.
Types of Polysorbates
In total, there are 4 types of polysorbates:
- polysorbate 20;
- polysorbate 40;
- polysobrate 60;
- polysorbate 80, it is also called monooleate.
It is worth noting that all of these surfactants are only of natural origin. They are obtained by processing fruits, seeds and fruits. The substance is sorbitol, which has a slightly sweetish flavor.
Later, oils are added to 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 is palm oil, TWEEN 80 is olive. Due to the use of natural components and oils, these surfactants are very useful for facial skin, and due to the fact that sorbitol has an oil-dissolving property, creams and cosmetics based on TWEENs are perfectly absorbed into the skin.
How polysorbate number affects its properties
All of these polysorbates, including polysorbate TWIN 80, are highly soluble in ethanol, but they are not used in the manufacture of cosmetics. They also interact perfectly with any vegetable oil. Mineral oils and other oil distillation products do not interact with surfactants in any way, so they are not suitable for sharing.
The polysorbate number affects where it will be used. For example, polysorbate 20 is usually used for the preparation of essential oils.
Polysorbate 80 has slightly different properties. It is especially popular with cosmetologists because of the ability to create a moderate foam. However, the higher the polysorbate number, the more foam it can form.
Properties of TWEEN 80
First of all, this polysorbate is perfectly combined with other types of surfactants. It works great with essential oils. Serves as a dispersing and moisturizing agent.
Surfactant polysorbate 80 is harmful or not? This question is often asked by women cosmetologists. How safe is its use in creams and shampoos? In fact, it is practically harmless to the skin of the body and face, as well as to the hair. The fact is that he is able to significantly calm the skin even during its irritation, and he will give hair shine, strength and accelerate their growth.
In addition, this substance has excellent properties that significantly reduce friction. This ability of the surfactant allowed cosmetologists to use it in almost all products, which, for example, are intended for gentle and gentle cleansing of the face and body.
Where is polysorbate 80 used
This surfactant is used exclusively for the manufacture of cosmetic products. It can be found in almost any caring cosmetics, but most often it is used to prepare hydrophilic oils for the face, body and shower, hydrophilic tiles, cleansing milk, sugar and salt scrubs.
In addition, surfactants are actively used for the preparation of shampoos and balms. Especially often it can be found in hair cosmetics, which fights against their loss.
Effervescent bath bombs are also manufactured on the basis of TWEEN 80 . It is interesting that the more surfactants in the composition of the bombs, the longer they retain their effervescent properties.
Based on TWIN, face tonics, air fresheners (water-based only), alcohol-free deodorants, body sprays and other cosmetic products that do not require the use of an alcohol base are made. 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.
TWIN 80. Recommendations for use
Any surfactant should be used correctly, including polysorbate 80. Its use in emulsions consisting of oil and water has a stabilizing effect on the composition. Beauticians recommend using this surfactant in its pure form for the preparation of, for example, a cleansing liquid milk for the face. Such a product will turn out to be of high quality.
TWIN 80 is used with a concentration of 1% to 50%. Most often, a dosage of 1% to 5% surfactant is used, however, it all depends on the formulation of the manufactured product. It is worth noting that a higher concentration of TWIN 80, as a rule, is used only for the use of solid products. This surfactant is able to thicken the final product. The most liquid remedy is obtained using 1% of the composition. If, in the manufacture of cosmetics, a higher concentration product was used, then in this case milk or shampoo will be much thicker. This must be considered for ease of use.
If essential oils are to be dissolved, then one part of polysorbate and 0.5 parts of oil are used. Sometimes you can increase part of the oil to one unit.