PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate is a chemical compound derived from the reaction between ethylene glycol, sorbitan, and lauric acid.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• "PEG" stands for "Polyethylene Glycol", indicating a series of ethylene glycol polymers.
• "80" indicates the average molecular weight of the ethylene glycol polymer used.
• "Sorbitan Laurate" indicates an ester of lauric acid and sorbitan.

Description of raw materials used in production and their functions.

• Ethylene Oxide. This is a monomer that gets polymerized to form polyethylene glycol (PEG).
• Sorbitol. A polyol alcohol that gets derivatized to produce sorbitan.
• Lauric Acid. A medium-chain fatty acid.

Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process.

• Production of Sorbitan. Sorbitol is reacted with lauric acid to form sorbitan laurate.
• Ethoxylation. The sorbitan laurate is then reacted with ethylene oxide under specific conditions in the presence of a catalyst to form PEG-80 sorbitan laurate. The quantity of ethylene oxide determines the degree of polymerization (in this case 80).
• Purification. After ethoxylation, any impurities or leftover monomer is removed through various purification processes.

It appears as a yellowish liquid.

What it is for and where

Cosmetics

Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities. 

CAS   9005-64-5

Safety

PEG (Polyethylene glycol) polymerize condensed ethylene oxide and water and are referred to as polyethylene glycols, but they are actually complex chemical components, polymers bonded together. For example, plastic is polyethylene and has a hard consistency, while polyethylene aggregated with glycol forms a liquid. PEGylation is produced not only as heterification but also as transesterification, which is the transformation of an alcohol by an ester. 

The term 'eth' refers to the ethoxylation reaction with ethylene oxide after which residues of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, chemical compounds considered carcinogenic, may remain. The degree of safety therefore depends on the degree of purity of the compound obtained. No manufacturer appears to provide this information on the label, at least as of the date of this review.

It is an ethoxylated product, but since 80 ethylene oxide units are not easily absorbed through the stratum corneum, it seems unlikely that skin penetration would cause damage.

Commercial Applications

Cosmetics and Personal Care. PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate is used as a surfactant and emulsifying agent in products like shampoos, body washes, lotions, and creams.

Baby Products. Owing to its mild properties, it's often found in baby care products like shampoos and liquid soaps.

Cleaning Products. It might be utilized in mild cleansers due to its degreasing and solubilizing properties.

Pharmaceuticals. PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate can be used in some pharmaceutical preparations as an emulsifier or as a solubilizer.