E433 · Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (polysorbate 80)
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (polysorbate 80) yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E433?
Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) is a synthetic emulsifier made from sorbitol, oleic acid, and ethylene oxide, used to stabilize emulsions in foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and some vaccines. In food it appears in ice cream, dressings, and baked goods to prevent ingredients from separating and to create smooth textures. It is approved for food use by the FDA and EFSA within set limits, though it is one of the more closely studied emulsifiers due to emerging gut-health research.
Also appears on labels as: Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, Polysorbate 80, Tween 80, POE sorbitan monooleate, POE monooleate, Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate, Polyoxyethylene sorbitan oleate, Sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene, Ethoxylated sorbitan monooleate, PEG sorbitan monooleate, PEG-20 sorbitan monooleate, Polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester of oleic acid.
What the evidence says
- Animal and some human studies suggest polysorbate 80 may alter gut bacteria and increase intestinal permeability ('leaky gut') with regular high intake, a topic of active research regarding ultra-processed foods.
- Rare hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, mainly linked to injectable/pharmaceutical use rather than dietary intake.
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-use levels by regulators, though EFSA has lowered its acceptable daily intake in past reassessments.
Frequently asked questions
Is E433 safe?
Our overall verdict for E433 (Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (polysorbate 80)) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E433 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (polysorbate 80) — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E433 and why is it used?
Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) is a synthetic emulsifier made from sorbitol, oleic acid, and ethylene oxide, used to stabilize emulsions in foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and some vaccines. In food it appears in ice cream, dressings, and baked goods to prevent ingredients from separating and to create smooth textures. It is approved for food use by the FDA and EFSA within set limits, though it is one of the more closely studied emulsifiers due to emerging gut-health research.
Does E433 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (polysorbate 80), though some people report sensitivity (Rare hypersensitivity reactions reported, mostly with injectable pharmaceutical formulations rather than food use.).
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.