What is polysorbate?
- Jasmine Uchi, PharmD
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Polysorbate is a surfactant which is used as an emulsifier, solubilizer and stabilizer in many pharmaceuticals, foods, and cosmetic products. It can be derived from sorbitol which is a plant-derived sugar alcohol, or bovine tallow which is a fat derived from cattle. In the past few decades, there has been a move towards plant-derived fatty acids due to safety and sustainability concerns, however, it is still important to confirm with manufacturers regarding product formulations.
What is polysorbate used for?
Polysorbate is an ingredient that helps keep products like food, medicine, and cosmetics smooth and well-mixed. It works by helping things that usually don’t blend—like oil and water—stay together in a uniform mixture. It also helps retain moisture to prevent staleness in foods and other products and enhances drug delivery by improving solubility and absorption, making it particularly important for liquid medications, injections, and vaccines. Additionally, it contributes to product stability, appearance, texture, and overall effectiveness.
Types of polysorbates
There are four types of polysorbates including polysorbate 20, polysorbate 40, polysorbate 60 and polysorbate 80. Each type differs in its chemical composition and use, with polysorbate 80 being the most commonly used in pharmaceuticals and food products.
Polysorbate | Chemical Structure | Common Uses |
Polysorbate 20 | Fatty acid ester of sorbitol and oleic acid | Cosmetics, pharmaceuticals |
Polysorbate 40 | Fatty acid ester of sorbitol and fatty acids | Food, pharmaceuticals |
Polysorbate 60 | Fatty acid ester of sorbitol and stearic acid | Cosmetics, food, pharmaceuticals |
Polysorbate 80 | Fatty acid ester of sorbitol and oleic acid | Pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics |
Examples of Products with Polysorbate
Polysorbates, such as Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 40, Polysorbate 60, and Polysorbate 80, are used in a wide variety of products across food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Food Products:
Polysorbates are commonly found in processed foods as emulsifiers or stabilizers, helping mix ingredients that would typically separate (like oil and water). They are used in salad dressings, ice cream, baked goods, whipped toppings, syrups, sauces, and more.
Cosmetic Products:
In cosmetics and personal care products, polysorbates are used for their emulsifying properties, allowing for smooth blending of oils and water. They're found in lotions, creams, facial mists, toners, eye shadows, hair sprays, and more.
Pharmaceuticals:
Polysorbates are widely used in pharmaceutical formulations to stabilize emulsions, solubilize active ingredients, and enhance drug absorption. They also serve as surfactants to prevent protein aggregation and precipitation during handling, which can occur in biological drug products. Additionally, polysorbates help minimize adsorption and loss at surfaces such as containers, IV tubing, and filters.
Polysorbate 80 is the most commonly used in biological drugs due to its ability to protect protein molecules from damage. According to DailyMed (National Library of Medicine), there are 12,716 drugs and personal care products that contain polysorbate 20, 6,702 containing polysorbate 40, 7,454 containing polysorbate 60, and 9,082 containing polysorbate 80.
Conclusion
Polysorbates, found in many medications and products, can be derived from either plants or animals. When sourced from animals, they may pose potential risks for those with alpha-gal syndrome (AGS)—yet labels rarely indicate the source.
This lack of transparency extends beyond polysorbates. A 2025 study found that 44% of paracetamol (Tylenol/acetaminophen) and 14% of ibuprofen products contained gluten- or soy-derived excipients, often without clear labeling—putting patients with food allergies or sensitivities at risk.
At VeganMed, we’re addressing this gap by verifying ingredient sources, offering allergen-free options, and advocating for better labeling through our FDA Citizen Petition. We also support the ADINA Act, which would require allergen disclosure on drug labels, and the Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act, which aims to recognize AGS as the 10th major allergen.
These efforts are part of a larger push for a safer, more transparent healthcare system—for everyone.
Co-authored by: Manroop Mahal
Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on VeganMed is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates.
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