Oil and water don't mix? Typically, when you mix fragrance or essential oils to a water-based formula, there is separation and the oils just float to the top. But, Polysorbate 80 is a gentle, non-irritating water-soluble nonionic surfactant commonly used to emulsify or bind fragrance or essential oils and water. It is a dispersing agent that allows fragrance and essential oils to bind with water-based products as well as to solubilize and emulsify heavier oils, such as carrier, fixed or vegetable oils. It is used as a viscosity modifier and stabilizer in room and linen sprays, liquid soaps, bath fizzies, foaming bath whips, scrubs, lotions, creams, bath melts, scrubs, body polishes, shampoos, hair conditioner and more.