Polysorbate 40
What Polysorbate 40 is & what it does
Polysorbate 40 is a nonionic surfactant made by ethoxylating sorbitan and esterifying it with palmitic acid. In cosmetic formulas it works mainly as an emulsifier and solubilizer, helping oils and water mix into a stable, uniform product and dispersing fragrances or oils into water-based phases. It is mild and widely used across creams, lotions, and cleansers. No specific concerns are flagged here.
What is Polysorbate 40?
Polysorbate 40 is a nonionic surfactant made by ethoxylating sorbitan and combining it with palmitic acid. It is widely used across creams, lotions, and cleansers.
What does Polysorbate 40 do in skincare and sunscreen?
It works mainly as an emulsifier and solubilizer, helping oils and water mix into a stable, uniform product and dispersing oils or fragrances into water-based phases. This keeps formulas smooth and prevents separation.
Is Polysorbate 40 safe?
It is considered a mild, well-tolerated surfactant used widely in cosmetics, with no specific concerns flagged here. Sensitivities are uncommon but, as always, possible.
Sunscreens with Polysorbate 40
We rate 3 sunscreens that contain it:
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Hera Black Cushion SPF 34 / Pa++
72/100
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Ducray Melascreen Skin-Lightening
70/100
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Dermaction Plus by Watsons Advance Sun Solar Barrier Sheer Matt Invisible Balm SPF50+ Pa+++
64/100