Ingredient Information

Function

Polysorbate 80 is a derivate of polyethoxylated sorbitan and oleic acid. It is also known as Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate, Alkest TW 80 or Tween 80. Polysorbate 80 is used in cake mixes, ice creams, confectionery products like shortening, toppings, gelatin products, sauces and cheese. It helps the ingredients mix and hold more smoothly without destabilizing.

Other Use and Industries

Polysorbate 80 is used in medicines as a stabilizer. It is also used in laboratories for experiments. Polysorbate 80 is used in cosmetics to help mix products and keep them in that form. Shampoos, creams, lotions and skin care products use polysorbate 80. It is also used topically to prevent hair loss, as it strips away dihydrotestosterone, the substance in hair follicles thought to be the cause of thinning hair.

Health Effects

Polysorbate 80 helps produce red blood cells and is used in bone marrow treatment as it encourages the formation of red blood cells. It is also used to treat some kinds of cancer like lung and prostate cancer by killing the cancer causing cells. Polysorbate 80 is used for the treatment of chronic kidney disease. It also helps reduce the risk of infection.

Polysorbate 80 can cause the formation of blood clots leading to strokes and heart failure. Polysorbate 80 also increases the chance of tumor growth for those who are susceptible to it. Polysorbate 80 can cause nausea and dizziness.

Origins

Polysorbate 80 is an organic compound made by chemically combining sorbitol (a sugar alcohol found in fruits) with fatty acids. The synthetic polysorbate 80 molecule, is both hydrophobic, and hydrophilic and can lower interfacial tension in mixtures. Sometimes animal fat may be used in the production of polysorbate 80, make sure to check the label of the product you are consuming to verify.