Polysorbate 80 is what is known as a 'wetting' agent or a solubiser, meaning it has the ability to combine oil and water together. It also acts as a gentle surfactant, thickener and viscosity modifier. 

It is a popular addition to bath bombs, as it helps mix ingredients such as shea butter into the water and prevent the colour from sitting on top of the water and sticking to the sides of the tub.

Polysorbate 80 is made from sorbitan, which is produced from naturally occurring sugar alcohols. Due to the manufacturing process, it cannot be considered an entirely natural product.

Polysorbate 80 is used in a various types of liquid cosmetics and skin care like such as facial and body cleansers, toners, sprays, lotions, body creams, body washes, bath bombs, shampoos and shower gels.

So you may have noticed that there is both Polysorbate 20 and Polysorbate 80. So what is the difference?

Polysorbate 20 is commonly used in lighter formulations, such as sprays and toners. It is effective for solubizing essential oils and fragrance oils into water.

Polysorbate 80 is preferred for heavier products, such as emulsions and rich creams and lotions. It also is an effective solubizer for combining oils into water. It is a popular choice for bath bomb makers as it helps solubize shea butter, essential oils and other oils into the water.  It also helps to prevent colours from floating on the surface of the bath, and sticking around the edges of the tub! If in doubt, you can purchase a 10ml size for just £1.95 and test each out in your formula.

GOLDEN YELLOW IN COLOUR

NEUTRAL ODOUR

SUITABLE FOR VEGANS

🌿 Easy Bath Bomb Recipe 🌿

🌿 Ingredients (for 2 medium bath bombs)

• 100 g bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
• 50 g citric acid
• 25 g cornflour (cornstarch)
• 20 g Epsom salts or other fine salt (optional but adds extra benefits)
• 10–12 g carrier oil (sweet almond, jojoba, grapeseed)
• 10–20 drops essential oils (your blend of choice)
• 5 g Polysorbate 80
• 1–2 teaspoons water or witch hazel (for spritzing)
• Optional: mica colour (¼–½ teaspoon)

🌿Method

• Mix all dry ingredients by combining bicarbonate, citric acid, cornflour, and Epsom salts in a bowl. Break up any lumps
• Blend the wet ingredients In a separate small container and mix well
  • Carrier oil
  • Essential oils
  • Polysorbate 80
  • Mica or other colour (optional). Stir until uniform
• Combine wet into dry by slowly drizzling the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while whisking/stirring continuously
  • Your mixture should resemble damp sand and hold together when squeezed
• Adjust moisture If it’s still too crumbly, lightly spritz with water or witch hazel one spray at a time, mixing constantly to avoid premature fizzing
• Mould the bath bombs Pack the mixture firmly into your moulds. Press both halves together tightly if using round moulds
• Let finished bath bombs dry for 24 hours in a cool, dry place. Once hardened, unmould and store in an airtight container                                           

🌿🌿🌿