POlysorbate confusion

[aimee]

Hi, I bought some polysorbate 80 but not sure if I got the right thing. It is to put in a bath oil to make it spread through the water better. Should I have got polysorbate 20 for this?
Also could you use polysorbate in a leave-on product like a massage oil? (just wondering if the bath oil can also be used as a massage oil!)

 

[dagmar88]

Hi aimee,
polysorbate 20 (or Tween 20) is usually used to make (essential) oils mix with water. You use 1 part oil and 4 parts polysorbate 20
polysorbate 80 is usually used to keep all ingredients in a creme together; so yes, it is okay to use in a leave-on product.
Both products are even used in food (but you probably have a cosmetic grade) and are considered pretty harmless.
i really haven't worked with any of them, but this is the information i found on a site, that is seen as the best on this topic in my country.
dagmar