Comparing E432 - Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate vs E1505 - Triethyl citrate

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Overview

E432 - Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate

Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (E432) is a food emulsifier better known as polysorbate 20 or Tween 20. It helps oil and water mix, keeping flavors, colors, and textures stable in foods and drinks. It is widely used in beverages, sauces, and confectionery.

E1505 - Triethyl citrate

Triethyl citrate (E1505) is a clear, almost odorless liquid made by combining citric acid with ethanol. In foods, it works mainly as a carrier for flavors and colors, a mild emulsifier, and a plasticizer that helps coatings stay flexible.

Synonyms

E432

Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate

Polysorbate 20

Alkest TW 20

Tween 20

PEG(20)sorbitan monolaurate

E1505

Triethyl citrate

triethyl 2-hydroxypropane-1‚2‚3-tricarboxylate

Functions

emulsifier stabilizer

carrier stabilizer

Origins

Plant

Synthetic

Products

Found in 105 products

Found in 194 products

Search rank & volume

#1527.9K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#2481.8K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×10.58

over-aware

×1.35

over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 6 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions

Is polysorbate 20 safe for skin?
Yes—it's widely used in cosmetics and is generally considered safe at typical use levels; regulatory reviews (e.g., Cosmetic Ingredient Review) support its safety, though some people may experience mild irritation or allergy.
What is the cmc of tween 20?
Approximately 0.007% w/v in water (~0.06 mM) at about 25°C; reported values vary with temperature, ionic strength, and formulation.
Is polysorbate 20 safe?
Yes—when used as a food additive within regulatory limits it’s considered safe; authorities such as JECFA have set an ADI of 0–25 mg/kg body weight per day for polysorbates.
Is polysorbate 20 toxic?
It has low toxicity at permitted food and cosmetic use levels; very high doses or parenteral exposure can cause adverse effects, and potential impurities (e.g., ethylene oxide/1,4-dioxane) are tightly controlled.
Is polysorbate 20 natural?
No—it's a synthetic surfactant made by ethoxylating sorbitan and esterifying with lauric acid, so it isn’t considered “natural,” even if some feedstocks are plant-derived.