E436 · Polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate (polysorbate 65)
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate (polysorbate 65) yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E436?
Polysorbate 65 (Tween 65) is a synthetic emulsifier made from stearic acid and sorbitan with a higher degree of esterification than polysorbates 60 and 80, used mainly in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical formulations to stabilize emulsions and improve texture. It appears in some baked goods, confections, and topical products. It is approved for food use within regulated limits by the FDA and EFSA.
Also appears on labels as: Polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate, Polysorbate 65, Tween 65, POE sorbitan tristearate, POE tristearate, Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan tristearate, Polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester of tristearic acid, Polyoxyethylene sorbitan stearate (tristearate), Sorbitan tristearate, polyoxyethylene, Ethoxylated sorbitan tristearate, PEG sorbitan tristearate, PEG-20 sorbitan tristearate.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-use levels.
- As with related polysorbates, animal research suggests possible effects on gut bacteria with high, regular intake; human evidence at dietary doses is limited.
- Stearic acid component may be derived from animal or plant sources depending on the manufacturer.
Research behind the verdict
- Scientific Opinion on the re‐evaluation of polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate (E 436) as food additive — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS), EFSA Journal (2015). The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) re‐evaluated the safety of polysorbate 65 (E 436) as food additive. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) derived an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 25 mg/kg body weight/day (group ADI for polysorbates 20, 40, 60, 65 and 80).[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E436 safe?
Our overall verdict for E436 (Polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate (polysorbate 65)) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E436 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate (polysorbate 65) — vegan: no, vegetarian: no, halal: no, kosher: no, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E436 and why is it used?
Polysorbate 65 (Tween 65) is a synthetic emulsifier made from stearic acid and sorbitan with a higher degree of esterification than polysorbates 60 and 80, used mainly in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical formulations to stabilize emulsions and improve texture. It appears in some baked goods, confections, and topical products. It is approved for food use within regulated limits by the FDA and EFSA.
Does E436 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate (polysorbate 65).
Watch E436
Get an email if the EFSA or FDA position on Polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate (polysorbate 65) changes, or when new research is added to this page.
EatMatrix reads any ingredient list with your camera and flags every additive instantly.
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.