Polysorbate 60 (CAS 9005-67-8) — Citrus N/A Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Citrus · Floral

Polysorbate 60

CAS 9005-67-8

Origin
synthetic
Note
N/A
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Polysorbate 60?

Polysorbate 60 is a synthetic emulsifier commonly found in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It helps blend oil and water components in products like ice cream, lotions, and vitamin supplements. While not a fragrance ingredient itself, it plays a crucial role in stabilizing scented formulations, ensuring even distribution of aromatic compounds in creams, sprays, and other emulsion-based products.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ FDA-approved for food use
✓ Non-irritating in cosmetic applications
CAS
9005-67-8
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Citrus · Floral
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Polysorbate 60 Smell Like?

Polysorbate 60 is essentially odorless, functioning as a neutral carrier rather than an aromatic compound. In fragrance applications, it provides a blank canvas that doesn’t interfere with the scent profile. Its mild, slightly waxy character only becomes noticeable at very high concentrations, presenting as a faint, clean, soap-like background note that quickly dissipates.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Polysorbate 60 is a polyoxyethylene derivative of sorbitan monostearate, belonging to the class of nonionic surfactants. It’s synthesized through the ethoxylation of sorbitan esters with ethylene oxide. The compound’s amphiphilic nature comes from its combination of hydrophilic polyethylene glycol chains and lipophilic stearic acid groups. This structure allows it to reduce surface tension between immiscible liquids, making it invaluable in emulsion stabilization.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceYellow to amber viscous liquid
SolubilitySoluble in water, alcohols, and oils

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
N/A
Volatility
N/A
Blending
N/A
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Emulsion Fragrances1-5%0.5-10%Stabilizer for oil-soluble aromatics
Microencapsulation3-7%1-15%Helps encapsulate fragrance oils

Classic Accords

Tip: Use as a co-emulsifier with other surfactants for optimal fragrance oil dispersion in water-based systems.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Polysorbate 20 CAS 9005-64-5

More water-soluble alternative with shorter fatty acid chain, better for lighter oil phases.

2
Polysorbate 80 CAS 9005-65-6

Higher oleic acid content provides better solubility for heavier fragrance oils.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

Not restricted by IFRA – primarily functions as formulation aid rather than fragrance ingredient.

RIFM Assessment

RIFM considers polysorbate 60 safe for current use levels in cosmetic applications.

Sustainability

As a petrochemical derivative, polysorbate 60’s environmental impact comes from ethylene oxide production. However, its high efficiency means relatively small quantities are needed. Some manufacturers are developing bio-based alternatives using renewable feedstocks, though these currently represent a small fraction of global supply.

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References

  1. FDA (2021). Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. 21CFR172.836
  2. Cosmetic Ingredient Review (2016). Safety Assessment of Polysorbates. CIR Report

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 9005-67-8

Odor & Flavor

“It has only a very faint, oily-waxy odor, A partial ester of Stearic acid with Hexitol and a bitter taste in concentrations higher anhydrides (Sorbitans).”📖 Arctander
Polysorbate 60 has a faint, characteristic odor and a warm, somewhat bitter taste. It is a mixture of stearate and palmitate partial esters of sorbitol and sorbitol anhydrides condensed with approximately 20 mol of ethylene oxide (C2H4O) for each mole of sorbitol and its mono- and dianhydrides.📖 Fenaroli
Data Sources & Attribution
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.

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