Polysorbate 80 is a synthetic nonionic surfactant and emulsifier that is often used in pharmaceuticals, foods, and cosmetics. It is a viscous, water-soluble yellow liquid that is derived from polyethoxylated sorbitan and oleic acid. The hydrophilic groups in this compound are polyethers also known as polyoxyethylene groups, which are polymers of ethylene oxide. Polysorbate 80 is used as a surfactant in soaps and cosmetics, or a solubilizer, such as in a mouthwash. It is also used as an excipient in some European and Canadian influenza vaccines, and is found in many vaccines used in the United States, including the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. In food, it can be used as a foaming agent to make spumas or airs, and as an emulsifier in foods, particularly in ice cream, where it is added to up to 0.5% concentration to make the ice cream smoother and easier to handle, as well as increasing its resistance to melting. Polysorbate 80 is generally considered safe for use in these applications, but it may cause irritation in some people. In pharmaceuticals, it is used as an excipient to stabilize aqueous formulations of medications for parenteral administration, and used as an emulsifier in the making of the antiarrhythmic amiodarone. Polysorbate 80 has been shown to increase intestinal permeability, which can affect the bodys ability to absorb nutrients, notably of ionic minerals such as potassium and calcium.