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Polysorbate 80

What Polysorbate 80 is & what it does

An emulsifier and solubilizer that disperses oils and fragrance into water phases and helps stabilize emulsions. It supports smooth, uniform textures.

What is Polysorbate 80 and what does it do in sunscreen?

Polysorbate 80 is an emulsifier and solubilizer. In a sunscreen it disperses oils and fragrance into the water phase and helps keep the emulsion stable, so the cream stays smooth and uniform rather than separating. It is used in small amounts and contributes to a light, even texture.

Is Polysorbate 80 safe?

Yes. The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel assessed the polysorbates and found them safe as used, and Polysorbate 80 is also cleared as a food additive (E433). At the low levels used in sunscreen it is non-irritating for most people. The one caveat experts raise is not the molecule itself but trace 1,4-dioxane, a manufacturing by-product that reputable makers purify out.

Does Polysorbate 80 clog pores?

Generally no. It is considered non-comedogenic and is a lightweight surfactant rather than a heavy oil or wax, used in tiny amounts. If you are breaking out, the richer emollients and oils elsewhere in a formula are far more likely the cause than Polysorbate 80.

Is Polysorbate 80 fungal-acne safe?

If you are actively managing fungal acne, you may want to avoid it. Polysorbate 80 is built on a sorbitan ester with a fatty (oleic) tail, and the malassezia yeast behind fungal acne can use that fatty part, so the polysorbate and sorbitan family is often left out of fungal-acne-safe routines. For everyone else it is harmless. This is one specific skin concern, not a general safety issue.

What else is Polysorbate 80 called?

On a label it appears as the INCI name "Polysorbate 80." Chemically it is polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate, and you may also see it sold under the trade name Tween 80. In food it carries the additive code E433. It usually sits low on an ingredient list, near the oils or fragrance it is there to dissolve.

Sunscreens with Polysorbate 80

We rate 293 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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