Polysorbate 20 - 500ml

Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is a non-ionic surfactant and solubilizer that helps disperse small amounts of lightweight fragrance oils and essential oils in water-based formulations. This listing is for a 500ml bottle for DIY cosmetic, personal-care and home-fragrance projects.

For external use only. Do not consume.

Uses for Polysorbate 20

Listed uses include facial mists, linen sprays, room sprays and air fresheners. The supplied product guidance recommends it for formulations containing less than 5% oils. Suitability and clarity depend on the particular oil and complete formula; separation-free results are not guaranteed.

Product details

• Also known as: Tween 20.
• Function: Non-ionic surfactant and solubilizer.
• Appearance: Pale yellow liquid.
• Odour: Odourless.
• Pack size: 500ml.
• Listed solubility: Water, isopropyl alcohol and propylene glycol.

Mixing and usage guidance

Combine Polysorbate 20 with your fragrance oil or essential oil before adding it to the water phase. Mix thoroughly and test a small batch with the intended ingredients before scaling up.

The supplied guidance lists a 2–10% usage range and a 1:1 Polysorbate 20-to-oil ratio. These describe different measures and are not interchangeable instructions. Confirm the percentage basis, measurement method and appropriate ratio for your formula against current supplier guidance. Do not assume one ratio will solubilize every oil.

Other listed applications include body mists, pillow sprays, fabric fresheners and aromatherapy sprays. The original product information describes partial solubility in oils and butters; confirm compatibility with your specific ingredients.

Geranium and lemon air-freshener formulation example

The original example lists 60 drops of geranium essential oil, 60 drops of lemon essential oil, Polysorbate 20 equal to the combined oil weight, and 400ml distilled or reverse-osmosis water. This is a development example, not a validated finished-product formula or shelf-life claim.

1. Measure the combined essential oils by weight; drop counts alone do not establish an exact oil weight.
2. The example uses an equal weight of Polysorbate 20. Confirm compatibility and the appropriate ratio for your oils before proceeding.
3. Mix the oils and Polysorbate 20 thoroughly.
4. Add 400ml room-temperature distilled or reverse-osmosis water and stir well.
5. Evaluate clarity and separation before bottling. The original tip favours room-temperature rather than cold water; test under your actual formulation conditions.

The example does not specify a preservation system or validated storage period. Confirm suitable preservation and finished-product testing before treating it as a stored or sale-ready product.

Frequently asked questions

What is Polysorbate 20 used for?

It helps disperse lightweight fragrance oils and essential oils in suitable water-based products such as room sprays, linen sprays and cosmetic mists.

Is Tween 20 the same ingredient?

Yes. This listing identifies Polysorbate 20 as Tween 20.

What size bottle will I receive?

This listing is for 500ml. Check this product’s availability before ordering.

Should I mix it with oil or water first?

The supplied guidance says to mix it with the fragrance or essential oil first, then incorporate that mixture into the water phase.

How much should I use?

The listed guidance gives 2–10% and a 1:1 Polysorbate 20-to-oil ratio. Confirm the calculation basis and formula-specific ratio with the supplier; do not treat either as a universal recipe.

Will every mixture be clear and stable?

No result is guaranteed for every oil or recipe. Test your complete formula for clarity and separation rather than relying on a fixed ratio alone.

Can I consume it?

No. This product is for external use only.

Cosmetic and home-fragrance supplies in Malaysia

Find formulation ingredients at Craftiviti, Centrepoint Bandar Utama, Malaysia. For bulk orders or clarification of usage instructions, email enquiry@craftiviti.com.