Description
Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate, a nonionic hydrophilic emulsifier with HLB approximately 15.6, produced by ethoxylation of sorbitan monopalmitate. Used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and selected food applications where the palmitate fatty acid profile is preferred over laurate or oleate.
Yellow to amber oily liquid or soft paste at room temperature, depending on the precise palmitate composition. Soluble in water, ethanol, and methanol.
We supply food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade Polysorbate 40 from manufacturers in China holding ISO, Halal, Kosher and other certifications relevant to the product and production.
Common market grades include food-grade Polysorbate 40, USP/EP/JP pharmaceutical grade, and super-refined low-peroxide grades for sensitive pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.
Bulk and reduced-MOQ shipments. Batch-level COA covering hydroxyl value, saponification value, acid value, peroxide value, water content, and microbiology.
Introduction
Polysorbate 40 was commercialized in the 1940s as part of the Atlas Powder Company polysorbate family. Within the family, the palmitate fatty acid (C16, saturated) backbone occupies a middle position between the lighter laurate of Polysorbate 20 and the heavier stearate and oleate of Polysorbates 60, 65, and 80.
Production proceeds by sorbitol-pharmaceutical-grade" class="underline" style="color: var(--sage-deep); text-decoration-color: var(--sage-deep);">sorbitol dehydration, sorbitan monopalmitate esterification, and ethoxylation with approximately 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of sorbitan ester.
Regulated as E434 in the EU, classified as Generally Recognized as Safe by the U.S. FDA under defined conditions of use, listed in USP, EP, and JP pharmacopoeias, and approved by JECFA with an Acceptable Daily Intake of 25 mg per kg body weight (covering the polysorbate family collectively).
Polysorbate 40 sees the most use in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulation where the palmitate fatty acid profile produces specific solubilization and emulsion behavior, and in food applications where formulators have standardized on the palmitate grade. Volume is smaller than Polysorbate 60 and Polysorbate 80 in food, but the pharmaceutical excipient role is well established.
Where it is used
- Pharmaceutical oral and topical formulations; solubilizer for poorly water-soluble actives
- Cosmetic emulsions, creams, and lotions; oil-in-water emulsifier and solubilizer
- Vitamin A and essential oil solubilization in fortified foods and supplements
- Flavor solubilization in selected beverage and confectionery applications
- Sauces, dressings, and processed food emulsions in markets where Polysorbate 40 is the preferred grade
- Bakery emulsifier blends for shortening and dough systems
- Pharmaceutical injectable carrier systems where palmitate fatty acid is specified
- Industrial cleaning and personal-care surfactant formulations
Technical data
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Yellow to amber oily liquid or soft paste |
| Hydroxyl value | 89 to 105 mg KOH/g |
| Saponification value | 41 to 52 mg KOH/g |
| Acid value | ≤ 2.0 mg KOH/g |
| Peroxide value | ≤ 10.0 meq/kg |
| Water content | ≤ 3.0% |
| Ethylene oxide and dioxane | ≤ 1 mg/kg each |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 5 mg/kg |
| Arsenic | ≤ 2 mg/kg |
| Total plate count | ≤ 100 CFU/g (pharmaceutical grade) |
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