Polysorbates are made by reacting ethylene oxide with sorbitan esters and are usually more dispersible in water.

Polysorbates are made by reacting ethylene oxide with sorbitan esters and are usually more dispersible in water. By changing the fatty acid side chain, different types of emulsifiers can be obtained.

The two most common polysorbates used in the industry are Polysorbate 60 (POE sorbitan mono stearate, E 435) and Polysorbate 80 (POE sorbitan mono oleate, E 433).

Polysorbate 80 is stocked by Hawkins Watts New Zealand, known as Palsgaard P7463.