Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20)

Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is a water solubilizer for essential oils and perfume compounds. It has a faint warm-oily shampoo-like note. Use from 4 parts Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) to, 1 part oil or compound. Mix the Polysorbate with the oil or perfume compound well then add the water slowly, stirring all the time.

Note: Using some ethanol (20-30%) with the water will help the clarity of the end product and you may be able to reduce the amount of solubilizer necessary. As with all solubilizers, the exact amount required for a completely clear solution depends on each compound’s own ingredients, and some materials like citrus oils and resins are almost impossible to get completely clear.