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Is Polysorbate 20 halal?

Polysorbate 20 is classified uncertain for halal use with Medium confidence. 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.

Excipient (surfactant) · Confidence: Medium

Also known as: Tween 20, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate

Uncertain Ask pharmacist
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What it is

A non-ionic surfactant used to stabilise protein injectables and emulsions.

Source:FDA IIG — Polysorbate 20EFSA — Polysorbates (E432–E436)

Why it's here

Keeps biologics from aggregating; stabilises emulsions in oral liquids.

See:FDA IIG — Polysorbate 20EFSA — Polysorbates (E432–E436)

Why it may matter

Made from sorbitol + lauric acid; lauric acid source (coconut, palm, animal tallow) is not always disclosed.

Source:FDA IIG — Polysorbate 20EFSA — Polysorbates (E432–E436)

Common sources
  • Coconut/palm oil
  • Tallow (rare)

Questions to ask

  • Is the polysorbate-20 in this product plant-derived?

Allergen tags

This excipient is sometimes flagged for the following allergen categories. Separate from halal status.

  • Soy — Polysorbate 20

Reason codes

fattyAcidSourceUnknown

Evidence & citations2

Audit

Common questions

Is Polysorbate 20 halal?
RxHalal currently classifies Polysorbate 20 as UNCERTAIN (Medium confidence). Made from sorbitol + lauric acid; lauric acid source (coconut, palm, animal tallow) is not always disclosed. This is information only — not a fatwa or medical advice.
What is Polysorbate 20 used for in medicines?
A non-ionic surfactant used to stabilise protein injectables and emulsions. Keeps biologics from aggregating; stabilises emulsions in oral liquids.
What are common sources of Polysorbate 20?
Common sources include: Coconut/palm oil; Tallow (rare). Manufacturers often do not disclose which source is used.
Is the polysorbate-20 in this product plant-derived?
Ask your pharmacist or prescriber. RxHalal lists this because Polysorbate 20 is uncertain in our cited database.

Medicines using this excipient

2 total1 halal1 uncertain0 concern

Halal-flagged medicines in our catalog (same excipient listed)

Seen most often in these conditions

Where this excipient turns up across RxHalal's tracked treatment categories.

Smallest set of questions to ask

AI suggests the fewest questions that would resolve the uncertainty.

Offline: the questions listed above are available without AI.