Polysorbate 80 is a general purpose hydrophillic, nonionic surfactants, emulsifying agent consisting of sorbitol, ethylene oxide & oleic acid (polyoxyethylene-20 sorbitan monooleate), oleic acid is derived from vegetable oil. Soluble in water & alcohols, insoluble in oils.

Polysorbate 80 is surfactant used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industry. Surfactants are compounds that reduce the surface tension and increase solubility between two liquids that would normally be unable to dissolve together e.g. oil and water. Polysorbate 80 is used to improve and maintain consistency of gelatin capsules, assist in keeping medication suspended in liquids, in preparation of intravenous fluids, as an excipient in tablets, and in the manufacture of vaccines.