Product Brief Tween 61 (CAS 9005-67-8), chemically known as Polyoxyethylene (4) Sorbitan Monostearate, is a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier with a low HLB value (~9.6). Derived from sorbitan monostearate and ethylene oxide, it excels at stabilizing water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions, while also aiding in solubilization, dispersion, and wetting of active ingredients.
Compliant with standards like USP, BP, and FDA (listed as food additive E432), it suits multi-industry use: food (bakery, dairy, frozen desserts), cosmetics (creams, lotions), pharmaceuticals (oral/topical formulations), and industry (pesticides, paints). It offers high stability across pH/temperature ranges, making it a reliable, versatile additive for bulk or customized formulations.
Product Advantage
1. Exceptional Water-in-Oil (W/O) Emulsification with Precise HLB Value
Tween 61 features a low and stable HLB value of ~9.6, a critical technical parameter that enables superior water-in-oil emulsification—ideal for formulations requiring uniform dispersion of aqueous phases in oil-based systems. Unlike surfactants with fluctuating HLB values (±0.5), its HLB stability rate exceeds 98%, ensuring consistent performance in batch production. This makes it a reliable choice for wax emulsions, adhesive formulations, and low-viscosity cosmetic creams, where emulsification uniformity directly impacts product quality.
2. Multi-Grade Compliance for Cross-Industry Versatility
With strict adherence to global standards, Tween 61 covers three core grades to meet diverse industry needs: Food Grade (compliant with FDA 21 CFR §172.836 and EU E432), Pharmaceutical Grade (USP/BP certified, GMP-compliant), and Industrial Grade (ISO 9001 verified). Each grade undergoes 12+ quality inspections, including heavy metal testing (lead <0.1 ppm, arsenic <0.05 ppm) and purity analysis (minimum 99.2% active content). This versatility allows it to seamlessly serve food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and agrochemical formulation sectors.
3. Excellent Stability Across Extreme Conditions
Tween 61 demonstrates remarkable resistance to pH fluctuations and temperature variations—key technical strengths for long-term formulation storage. It maintains stable performance in pH ranges of 4.0–9.0 (common in most industrial/cosmetic products) and retains 95% of its emulsifying activity after 12 months of storage at 25°C (RH 60%). Unlike similar surfactants, it shows no phase separation even when exposed to short-term high temperatures (up to 60°C), reducing production losses caused by environmental factors.
4. Low Toxicity & High Biocompatibility for Safe Applications
As a non-ionic surfactant, Tween 61 has ultra-low toxicity, with an LD50 (oral, rat) >20,000 mg/kg—far exceeding the safety thresholds for food and pharmaceutical additives. Its biocompatibility rate reaches 99.5% in skin irritation tests (per OECD 404 standards), making it suitable for sensitive personal care products (e.g., baby lotions) and oral pharmaceutical formulations (e.g., liquid suspensions). This safety profile eliminates concerns about end-product toxicity, a critical factor for B2B buyers in regulated industries.
5. Cost-Effective Bulk Supply with Customizable Solutions
We offer Tween 61 in flexible packaging (20L drums, 200L IBC tanks, 1000L tote bags) to meet both small-batch trials (minimum order quantity: 50kg) and large-scale production (monthly supply capacity: 500+ tons). Our production line achieves a 98.8% on-time delivery rate, supported by 3+ global warehouses (EU, US, Asia) for fast lead times (3–7 days for regional shipments). Additionally, we provide customized viscosity adjustment (200–500 cP at 25°C) and pH tuning services, tailored to specific customer formulation requirements.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
| Chemical Name | Polyoxyethylene (4) sorbitan monoaleate |
| Appearance | Yellow waxy solid |
| Lonicity | Non-ionic |
| Hydroxyl Value | 165~195 mg KOH/g |
| Saponification Value | 90~100 mg KOH/g |
| Acid Value | ≤ 2.0 mg KOH/g |
| Water Content | ≤ 3.0% |
| HLB Value | 9.6 |
Product Uses
1. Food Processing Industry
Tween 61 (Food Grade, EU E432) is widely used in bakery, dairy, and frozen desserts. It acts as an emulsifier in cake batters to distribute fat evenly, preventing dryness; in whipped cream to stabilize bubbles (extending shelf life by 3–5 days); and in ice cream to reduce ice crystal formation, improving mouthfeel. It also aids in dispersing flavorings in chocolate syrups, ensuring consistent taste.
2. Cosmetics & Personal Care
In cosmetic formulations, Tween 61 (Cosmetic Grade) works as a water-in-oil emulsifier for creams, lotions, and lip balms. It blends oil-based ingredients (e.g., plant oils) with water, creating smooth textures. For body lotions, it enhances moisture retention; in lip products, it prevents cracking. It’s also added to hair conditioners to improve detangling and reduce frizz.
3. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Pharmaceutical Grade Tween 61 (USP/BP certified) serves as an adjuvant in oral and topical drugs. In liquid suspensions (e.g., antibiotic syrups), it keeps active ingredients dispersed, avoiding sedimentation. In topical ointments for skin conditions, it boosts drug absorption. It meets GMP standards, making it safe for pediatric and sensitive-skin formulations.
4. Agrochemical & Industrial Sectors
In agrochemicals, Tween 61 (Industrial Grade) acts as a surfactant in pesticide formulations. It improves pesticide adhesion to crop leaves (increasing efficacy by 15–20%) and aids in dispersing active components. In industrial coatings, it prevents pigment settling in water-based paints; in wax emulsions, it ensures uniform application on furniture or flooring.
Product Operate Guide
General Usage Steps
Pre-mix Tween 61 with oil-based ingredients first (stir at 30–40°C for 2–3 mins to dissolve fully).
2.Gradually add the oil-surfactant mixture to aqueous phases while stirring (500–800 rpm) until homogeneous.
3. Adjust pH to 4.0–9.0 if needed; avoid mixing with strong acids/bases to prevent performance loss.
Key Tips
Store in a cool, dry place (below 30°C) and seal after use. For high-viscosity formulations, pre-dilute with a small amount of ethanol to improve dispersibility. Test a 1–2% concentration sample first to match your specific product needs.
FAQ
Q1: What’s the recommended concentration of Tween 61 for most formulations?
Typically, 0.5–3% (w/w) works for food, cosmetics, and industrial uses. For sensitive pharmaceutical suspensions, start at 1–2%; adjust based on emulsion stability—higher concentrations (up to 5%) may be needed for complex oil-rich mixes.
Q2: Can Tween 61 be used after its shelf life (usually 2 years)?
Expired Tween 61 may lose emulsifying activity or develop slight turbidity. Test a small sample first: if it dissolves fully in oil without sediment, it can be used for non-critical industrial apps; avoid for food/pharma to ensure safety.
Q3: Is Tween 61 interchangeable with Tween 60 or Tween 80?
Not directly. Tween 61 has a lower HLB (~9.6) vs. Tween 60 (14.9) and Tween 80 (15.0), making it better for water-in-oil emulsions. Swapping may cause phase separation—choose based on your formulation’s oil-water ratio.
Q4: Does Tween 61 react with common preservatives in cosmetics?
No major reactions with typical preservatives (e.g., phenoxyethanol, parabens). It’s compatible with most cosmetic ingredients, but always run a compatibility test in your full formulation to avoid unexpected texture changes.
Q5: Is Tween 61 safe for vegan/vegetarian products?
Yes. Our Tween 61 is derived from plant-based sorbitol and stearic acid (no animal sources), meeting vegan standards. It’s also free of animal-derived contaminants, suitable for vegan food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
