Polysorbates are derived from ethoxylated sorbitan (a derivative of sorbitol) esterified with fatty acids and exist as oily liquids. These Polysorbates belong to the class of emulsifiers used in pharmaceuticals and food preparations (salad dressing, ice cream, chocolates, baked goods and confectionery). They are used in cosmetics to solubilize essential oils into water-based products, pharmaceuticals, detergents, paints, and plastic applications. These Polysorbates surfactants consist primarily of oleic, stearic or lauric fatty acid esters with sorbitol-derived cyclic ethers (sorbitans and sorbides) and further polymerized with approximately 20 molecules of oxirane per molecule of Polysorbates.