Tween 40, with CAS No. 9005-66-7, is a non-ionic surfactant chemically known as Polysorbate 40. It appears as a clear to pale yellow viscous liquid, soluble in water, methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol, but insoluble in animal and mineral oils.
Boasting an HLB value of 15.6, it excels as an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifier, solubilizer, and stabilizer. Widely used in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals, it enhances ingredient compatibility, prevents phase separation, and acts as an antistatic agent or lubricant, making it a versatile additive for diverse formulations.
Product Advantage
Exceptional Solubility Profile for Flexible Formulations
Tween 40 (CAS 9005-66-7) exhibits excellent solubility in water, methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol (dissolution rate ≥95% in 5 mins at 25℃) while being insoluble in animal/mineral oils. This unique solubility avoids oil-phase contamination in O/W formulations, supporting 80% of common cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical recipes—verified by 150+ client formulation tests.
Optimal HLB 15.6 for Superior O/W Emulsification
With a fixed HLB value of 15.6 (variation ≤0.2 across batches), our Tween 40 delivers stable oil-in-water emulsions. Accelerated tests show emulsions remain phase-free for 18 months at 40℃/RH 75%, outperforming industry averages (12 months). It reduces emulsification time by 30% compared to generic surfactants, cutting production costs.
High Purity & Multi-Industry Compliance
Our Tween 40 achieves ≥99.6% purity (impurity ≤0.4%), meeting global standards: FDA GRAS (food), USP/NF (pharmaceutical), and ECOCERT (cosmetic). Third-party labs confirm no heavy metals (Pb/Cd ≤0.1ppm) or harmful residues, making it safe for sensitive applications like infant formulas and injectable drug 辅料.
Dual-Function Stability & Protection
Beyond emulsification, it acts as a stabilizer—maintaining active ingredient (e.g., vitamins, fragrances) retention at ≥98% for 6 months. As an antistatic agent, it reduces surface resistance of plastic packaging by 50% (tested at 23℃/RH 50%), preventing dust buildup on finished products like cosmetic tubes.
Bulk Supply with Consistent Quality
Our automated production line (annual capacity 6,000 tons) ensures batch-to-batch consistency: viscosity (300-500 cPs at 25℃) and acid value (≤2.0 mg KOH/g) vary by ≤1%. We offer 20L-1000L packaging and 5-day lead time for orders ≤200 tons, supported by 24/7 technical service for formulation adjustments.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
| Chemical Name | Polyoxyethylene (40) sorbitan monoaleate |
| Appearance | Pale yellow to yellowish-brown paste-like substance |
| Lonicity | Non-ionic |
| Hydroxyl Value | 85~100 mg KOH/g |
| Saponification Value | 40~55 mg KOH/g |
| Acid Value | ≤ 2.0 mg KOH/g |
| Water Content | ≤ 3.0% |
| HLB Value | 15.5 |
Product Uses
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Used in lotions, creams, and sunscreens as an O/W emulsifier. It blends oil-based ingredients (e.g., plant oils, UV filters) with water evenly, preventing separation. Also enhances the spreadability of products and boosts absorption of active components like hyaluronic acid.
Food Industry
Applied in dairy drinks, fruit juices, and baked goods. As a solubilizer, it keeps fat-soluble vitamins (A/D/E) and flavors dispersed uniformly. In cakes, it emulsifies fats to make textures softer, extending shelf life by 30% compared to formulations without it.
Pharmaceutical Field
Added to oral suspensions and topical ointments. It solubilizes water-insoluble drugs, ensuring consistent drug concentration for better efficacy. In ointments, it stabilizes the O/W system, reducing irritation and improving skin penetration of medicinal ingredients.
Industrial & Daily Chemicals
Used in water-based cleaners and plastic processing. As an antistatic agent, it prevents dust accumulation on plastic surfaces. In cleaners, it acts as a diffusing agent to evenly distribute cleaning components, enhancing oil-stain removal efficiency.
Product Operate Guide
Cosmetics/Pharmaceuticals: Add 0.5-5% (of total formulation) to water phase first. Stir at 45-60℃ for 10-15 mins, then mix with oil phase and homogenize (2500-3000 rpm) for 5 mins until uniform.
Food: Blend 0.1-2% (by weight) into liquids (water/milk) at 20-30℃. Stir gently for 5-8 mins to fully dissolve before adding other ingredients.
Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place (5-30℃), away from sunlight. Seal tightly after use to avoid moisture absorption or contamination.
FAQ
Q: Can Tween 40 be mixed with anionic surfactants (e.g., SDS) in formulations?
A: Yes. It’s compatible with anionic, cationic, and other non-ionic surfactants. We recommend testing 1-2% concentration in small batches first to avoid rare precipitation.
Q: What if Tween 40 thickens or clouds during storage? Does it affect quality?
A: Slight thickening/clouding at low temps (≤5℃) is normal. Warm it to 20-25℃ and stir gently— it will recover. This doesn’t change its purity or performance.
Q: Is your Tween 40 suitable for vegan cosmetic or food products?
A: Absolutely. Our Tween 40 is derived from plant-based sorbitan, with no animal-derived ingredients. It meets vegan standards (certified by Vegan Society) for safe use.
Q: Do you offer technical support for custom formulation using Tween 40?
A: Yes. Our R&D team provides free technical guidance—share your formulation goals (e.g., emulsion type, industry), and we’ll suggest optimal addition ratios within 2 working days.
