Potassium Sorbate 1 kg

What makes this small-batch solubilizer useful in clear water-based formulas

Polysorbate 20 packed in a 100 gram bottle is a compact quantity of a versatile nonionic auxiliary ingredient that, worldwide, is used far more often as a solubilizer than as a classic oil-in-water emulsifier for creams. Its main job is helping small amounts of oily, aromatic or fat-soluble substances dissolve evenly into transparent water-based mixtures without leaving an oily film. This raw material sits within the Emulsifiers category because it belongs to the same broad family of surface-active substances, yet it stands out for its gentle action and low viscosity, which makes it convenient for precise dropper-based dosing in small-volume projects.

The single largest area of global demand for this ingredient is the food and beverage industry, where it stabilizes flavor concentrates, citrus oil emulsions, liqueurs, syrups and drinks containing essential oils. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, polysorbate 20 helps prepare liquid dosage forms, vitamin solutions and drops that need a fat-soluble component dissolved without separation. In the cosmetics sector this ingredient is essential for producing facial toners, hair and body sprays, micellar water and clear gels, where an essential oil or fragrance needs to be evenly dispersed so the liquid stays homogeneous and does not separate on the shelf. Household chemistry manufacturers add it to glass cleaners, air fresheners and scented water-based solutions.

This solubilizer blends well with other surfactants and emulsifiers, so it can be paired with denser systems such as Emulpharma IXL when building multiphase emulsions, or combined with the fast-dissolving Emulpharma 1000 when a formula needs both a stable emulsion and a clear water phase carrying dissolved fragrance components. Polysorbate 20 is also frequently used alongside natural wax-based ingredients, for instance Tuberose Wax, to introduce a small amount of a fragrant wax extract into a water base without creating a cloudy suspension.

A typical dosage ranges from one to five percent of the total formula weight, with the solubilizer usually taken at two to four times the weight of the oil or fragrance being dissolved, depending on how polar that component is. It works best when premixed with the oily ingredient into a uniform blend, then introduced during the water phase mixing stage at temperatures up to forty degrees Celsius, adding water gradually while stirring continuously. Following this order prevents cloudiness and keeps the finished product stable throughout its shelf life. Store the raw material in a tightly closed container, in a dry place away from direct sunlight, at room temperature.

The 100 gram size fits home-based cosmetic making, trial batches and small studio-scale experiments where a new formula needs testing before scaling up production. This quantity is enough for dozens of toner, spray or aromatic solution samples.

Clarifying rosemary facial mist

Distilled water 90 ml

Polysorbate 20 4 ml

Rosemary essential oil 5 drops

Witch hazel extract 8 ml

Niacinamide powder 1 g

Combine the rosemary essential oil with polysorbate 20 in a small container and stir until the mixture turns clear and uniform. Dissolve the niacinamide powder into the witch hazel extract separately, then blend both mixtures together. Slowly pour the combined blend into the distilled water while stirring continuously, transfer into a spray bottle and let it rest for a day before use so the fragrance fully disperses.