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E432EmulsifierLow concern
Polysorbate 20
In plain words
The short version
Tween 20 — a high-HLB polysorbate used in beverage clouding, dressings, and protein-stabilization.
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
ADI of 0–25 mg/kg body weight (combined polysorbates). Like other polysorbates, included in recent dietary-emulsifier observational studies on gut-microbiome effects.
The detail
Manufactured by ethoxylating sorbitan monolaurate (Span 20). The 20 ethylene oxide groups grafted on dramatically increase water solubility while keeping the lauric-acid tail.
Used in beverage clouding-agent systems, in salad dressings and pickles, and as a protein-stabilizing surfactant in supplement and pharmaceutical preparations. Often paired with Span 20 (E493) for combined emulsion stabilization. Particularly common in clear-to-cloudy beverages.
Yellow viscous oily liquid. Soluble in water and most polar solvents. Mild characteristic odor.
Permitted in the EU within the polysorbates group (E 432–436), with maximum levels per food category. In the US, listed among synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants, to be used in the minimum quantity required.
Sources
- EFSA — Re-evaluation of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (E 432), monooleate (E 433), monopalmitate (E 434), monostearate (E 435) and tristearate (E 436) as food additives (2015) — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), ANS Panel, 2015. Group ADI of 25 mg/kg bw/day for polysorbates
- WHO JECFA database — Polysorbate 20 (INS 432) — WHO / FAO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), 2026. Group ADI 0–25 mg/kg bw confirmed (2026)
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 1129/2011 — Union list of food additives (Annex II to Reg. 1333/2008) — European Union (EUR-Lex), 2011. EU: polysorbates group with maximum levels per category (e.g. emulsified sauces)
- 21 CFR 172.515 — Synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants — U.S. FDA / eCFR, 2018. US: listed as a synthetic flavoring substance/adjuvant
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.