Common Name(s): Polysorbate nonionic emulsifier,sorbitan ester ethoxylate,oil solubiliser
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Emulsifies oils into water-based formulations, solubilises lipophilic fragrance and active ingredients in aqueous systems, and provides gentle foaming surfactancy in mild cleansers.
Why It's Used: Polysorbates are fda-approved food emulsifiers (gras) providing an exceptional safety documentation base for cosmetic use, and their high hlb (14โ17) makes them highly efficient o/w emulsifiers at low concentrations.
How It Works: Sorbitan ring + 20โ80 mol ethylene oxide + fatty acid provides amphiphilic block structure. high hlb (polysorbate 20: hlb 16.7; polysorbate 80: hlb 15.0) positions them at the o/w interface with the peo chain extending into the water phase forming steric emulsion stabilisation. cmc ~0.01โ0.1 mm enables efficient solubilisation at low concentrations.
Typically Found In: Emulsions,fragrance solubilisation,cleansers
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ cosmetic active
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ10%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Polysorbate number (20, 40, 60, 80) indicates the fatty acid chain: 20 = laurate (c12); 40 = palmitate (c16); 60 = stearate (c18:0); 80 = oleate (c18:1). the oleate chain of polysorbate 80 provides better cold stability from the cis double bond preventing crystallisation at refrigerator temperatures.
Last Verified: Cosing database,polysorbate sorbitan ethoxylate emulsifier review
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12
