Is Polysorbate 20 Natural?

Q: Is Polysorbate 20 natural?

Polysorbate 20 has a Natural Origin Index (NOI) of 0.50 (scale 0–1) per ISO 16128. Polysorbate 20 is synthesized from ethoxylated sorbitan, which is derived from sorbitol (renewable) and ethylene oxide (petrochemical), resulting in a half_renewable NOI. An NOI of 0.50 means 50% of its molecular mass is traceable to a natural, renewable source.

Learn about Polysorbate 20 — its natural origin index (ISO 16128), feedstock sources, synthesis process, and renewability classification.

0.5

out of 1.0

Natural Origin Index

INCI NamePolysorbate 20

FunctionEmulsifier · Surfactant

FeedstockThe primary feedstocks for Polysorbate

Quick Facts

INCI NamePolysorbate 20
FunctionsEmulsifierSurfactantSolubilizer
Primary FeedstockThe primary feedstocks for Polysorbate 20 are sorbitol and ethylene oxide. Sorbitol is typically derived from the hydrogenation of glucose, which is sourced from starch-rich crops like corn or wheat. Ethylene oxide is a petrochemical derivative, commonly produced via the oxidation of ethylene, which originates from natural gas or petroleum.
NOI Score0.5 / 1.0
TierMostly Renewable

Description

Learn about Polysorbate 20 — 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.