Polysorbate
What Polysorbate is & what it does
Polysorbate is a family of nonionic surfactants made from sorbitol and fatty acids that have been ethoxylated. In cosmetics these ingredients act as emulsifiers and solubilizers, allowing oils and fragrances to mix evenly into water-based products. Different members (such as Polysorbate 20, 60, or 80) vary by fatty acid and serve similar roles. They are widely used and generally considered gentle, well-tolerated formulation aids.
What is Polysorbate?
Polysorbate refers to a family of nonionic surfactants made from sorbitol and fatty acids that have been ethoxylated. Common members include Polysorbate 20, 60, and 80.
What does Polysorbate do in skincare?
It acts as an emulsifier and solubilizer, letting oils and fragrances mix evenly into water-based products. This keeps the formula uniform and stable.
Is Polysorbate safe?
Polysorbates are widely used and generally considered gentle, well-tolerated formulation aids. No specific concern is flagged for them here.
Sunscreens with Polysorbate
We rate 1 sunscreen that contains it:
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