Is Polysorbate 80 Natural?

Q: Is Polysorbate 80 natural?

Polysorbate 80 has a Natural Origin Index (NOI) of 0.50 (scale 0–1) per ISO 16128. Polysorbate 80 is produced by ethoxylation of sorbitan, which is derived from sorbitol (renewable), and oleic acid (renewable), but the ethoxylation process uses ethylene oxide,… An NOI of 0.50 means 50% of its molecular mass is traceable to a natural, renewable source.

Learn about Polysorbate 80 — its natural origin index (ISO 16128), feedstock sources, synthesis process, and renewability classification.

0.5

out of 1.0

Natural Origin Index

INCI NamePolysorbate 80

FunctionEmulsifier · Surfactant

FeedstockThe primary feedstocks for Polysorbate

Quick Facts

INCI NamePolysorbate 80
FunctionsEmulsifierSurfactantSolubilizerWetting Agent
Primary FeedstockThe primary feedstocks for Polysorbate 80 are sorbitol, typically derived from the hydrogenation of glucose (obtained from starch sources like corn or wheat), and oleic acid, a fatty acid commonly sourced from vegetable oils such as palm or soybean oil. Ethylene oxide, used in the ethoxylation step, is predominantly derived from petroleum.
NOI Score0.5 / 1.0
TierMostly Renewable

Description

Learn about Polysorbate 80 — its natural origin index (ISO 16128), feedstock sources, synthesis process, and renewability classification.

References

1ISO 16128-2:2017 — Guidelines on technical definitions and criteria for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients and products — Part 2. ISO, Geneva.