What is another name for Polysorbate 80?

January 4, 2026 •

3 min read

Polysorbate 80 is a commonly used emulsifier and surfactant found in a wide range of products, from ice cream to pharmaceutical formulations. For those checking ingredient labels, this chemical can appear under several different names, depending on its application and region of sale.

Quick Summary

A guide to the various names for Polysorbate 80, including its most common commercial name, Tween 80. It also covers the official chemical name, E number, and general purpose across different industries.

Key Points

Tween 80 is an alternative name: The most widely known brand name for Polysorbate 80 is Tween 80.
Official chemical name: The precise chemical name is Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate.
European food additive number: In the European food industry, it is also labeled as E433.
Emulsifier properties: Polysorbate 80 functions as an emulsifier and surfactant, helping to blend oil and water.
Wide range of applications: It is used in food (ice cream, dressings), pharmaceuticals (vaccines, IV drugs), and cosmetics.
Part of a larger family: Polysorbate 80 is part of the polysorbate family, which includes other numbers like Polysorbate 20 and 60 with different fatty acid compositions.

Common Alternative Names for Polysorbate 80

The most widely recognized alternative name for Polysorbate 80 is Tween 80. 'Tween' is a brand name belonging to the chemical manufacturing company Croda, and it has become a popular term used in both commercial and laboratory settings to refer to this specific compound. Its full chemical name is Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate, which provides a detailed description of its molecular structure. In the European food industry, it is also identified by its E number, E433.

Official and Technical Names

For chemists and manufacturers, a number of other technical names are used to describe Polysorbate 80, all of which point to the same chemical composition:

Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate: This is the most specific chemical name, detailing the molecule's origin from sorbitan, oleic acid (the 'monooleate' part), and the chain of 20 polyoxyethylene units.
Polyoxyethylenesorbitan monooleate: A slightly more generalized chemical descriptor.
Sorethytan (20) monooleate: A more obscure technical synonym that is sometimes encountered in scientific literature.

Commercial and Brand Names

Beyond Tween 80, other brand names are also associated with the compound:

Kolliphor PS 80: A trade name used by BASF.
Alkest TW 80: Another commercial brand name.
Montanox 80: A brand name from the company Seppic.

Uses of Polysorbate 80

Polysorbate 80 is a versatile nonionic surfactant with applications spanning multiple industries due to its ability to help mix oil and water.

Food and Beverage: As an emulsifier (E433), it is used in ice cream to prevent the formation of large ice crystals, resulting in a smoother texture. It also helps stabilize salad dressings, baked goods, and chocolate syrups.
Pharmaceuticals: It is widely used as a solubilizer and excipient in both oral and injectable medications, as well as in certain vaccines.
Cosmetics and Personal Care: In skincare products like lotions and creams, it ensures a smooth consistency. It's also used in shampoos, mouthwashes, and soaps.
Laboratory and Industrial: Researchers use it to culture Mycobacterium tuberculosis in broth, and it is also used in some industrial cleaning agents.

Polysorbate 80 vs. Other Polysorbates

While Polysorbate 80 is perhaps the most well-known, it belongs to a larger family of emulsifiers called polysorbates. The main difference between these is the type of fatty acid used and the number of polyoxyethylene units, which affects their properties. For example, the different numbers (like 20, 60, or 80) refer to the lipophilic group attached to the sorbitan part of the molecule.


Feature	Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80)	Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20)	Polysorbate 60 (Tween 60)
Fatty Acid	Oleic Acid	Lauric Acid	Stearic Acid
Type	Monooleate	Monolaurate	Monostearate
Physical State	Viscous, oily liquid	Oily liquid	Viscous, oily liquid
Primary Function	General-purpose emulsifier, solubilizer	Wetting agent, detergent	Emulsifier, stabilizer in food
E Number	E433	E432	E435
Common Uses	Ice cream, vaccines, drugs	Immunoassays, cell lysis solutions	Baked goods, toppings

Important Considerations for Polysorbate 80

While generally considered safe by regulatory bodies like the FDA, certain individuals may experience adverse reactions to Polysorbate 80. Some research has pointed to potential issues, especially in high doses or certain applications. For example, some studies suggest a possible link between polysorbates and gut inflammation. Others have noted rare hypersensitivity or nonimmunologic anaphylactoid reactions associated with medical preparations containing Polysorbate 80, particularly in intravenous uses. Most consumer products contain very low concentrations, but sensitivity can be a concern for some people. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you have concerns about ingredients in medications.

Conclusion

In summary, the most common other name for Polysorbate 80 is Tween 80, a popular brand name. Its full chemical name is Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate, and it is known as E433 in Europe's food additive system. As a versatile emulsifier and surfactant, it plays a critical role in manufacturing everything from food to pharmaceuticals, making it a valuable, albeit not always inert, ingredient across many industries. Drugs.com provides additional resources on polysorbates and their uses in medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no difference in the compound itself; Tween 80 is simply a commercial brand name for Polysorbate 80. The 'Tween' trademark belongs to the company Croda.

E433 is the official E number designation for Polyoxyethylene sorbitan mono-oleate (Polysorbate 80) in Europe, where it is approved for use as a food additive.

Yes, Polysorbate 80 is commonly used as an emulsifier in many foods, including ice cream, salad dressings, and baked goods, to improve texture and prevent ingredients from separating.

Polysorbate 80 is a synthetic ingredient. It is produced through a process called ethoxylation, where sorbitol derived from natural sources is reacted with ethylene oxide and oleic acid.

Its primary function is to act as a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier, which helps to blend and stabilize mixtures of water and oil-based ingredients that would not normally mix.

Yes, Polysorbate 80 is part of a family of polysorbates, which also includes Polysorbate 20 and Polysorbate 60. The number indicates the type of fatty acid used in their creation.

While generally considered safe, some individuals can experience hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to Polysorbate 80, especially when used topically or via injection.