Processing aid

Is Polysorbate 20 halal?

Polysorbate 20: A non-ionic surfactant used to stabilise protein injectables and emulsions. Made from sorbitol + lauric acid; lauric acid source (coconut, palm, animal tallow) is not always disclosed.

Source-dependentDoubtful until the source is known (mashbooh)

Polysorbate 20: A non-ionic surfactant used to stabilise protein injectables and emulsions. Made from sorbitol + lauric acid; lauric acid source (coconut, palm, animal tallow) is not always disclosed.

What the sources say

A non-ionic surfactant used to stabilise protein injectables and emulsions. Made from sorbitol + lauric acid; lauric acid source (coconut, palm, animal tallow) is not always disclosed.
Source Dependent A non-ionic surfactant used to stabilise protein injectables and emulsions. Made from sorbitol + lauric acid; lauric acid source (coconut, palm, animal tallow)… RxHalal (secondary aggregator · grade C: secondary reference · accessed 2026-08-21)

Quick facts

NamePolysorbate 20
Also on labels astween 20, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate
Additive classProcessing aid
ClassificationSource-dependent
Last verified2026-08-21

Common questions

Is Polysorbate 20 halal?

Polysorbate 20 is classified as Source-dependent. Polysorbate 20: A non-ionic surfactant used to stabilise protein injectables and emulsions. Made from sorbitol + lauric acid; lauric acid source (coconut, palm, animal tallow) is not always disclosed.

Is Polysorbate 20 halal or haram?

On the evidence cited on this page, Polysorbate 20 is source-dependent. Doubtful until the source is known (mashbooh) Every position is attributed to a named certifier or scholarly body with a link, so you can verify it directly.

What else is Polysorbate 20 called on ingredient labels?

It can appear as: tween 20, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate.

Why isn't there a single yes/no answer for Polysorbate 20?

Because the ruling depends on information the label does not carry — the source material, the production route, or which scholarly position you follow. This page shows each named position with a link so you can check it yourself.

Where does this page's information come from?

Every position on this page is attributed to a named certifier or scholarly body with a direct link, listed under 'What the sources say'. Muttoo aggregates and cites; it does not issue rulings.

Related lookups

Record ingredient-polysorbate-20 · last verified 2026-08-21 · report an error