Common Name(s): Tween 80,poe(80) sorbitan monooleate

CAS Number: 9005-65-6

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides o/w emulsification with oleate tail for better compatibility with skin oils and penetration enhancement.

Why It's Used: Higher-lipophilicity polysorbate for emulsification of plant oils and ingredients requiring oleic acid compatibility.

How It Works: Hlb ~15 (slightly lower than ps-20) with oleic acid (c18:1) tail. oleic acid chain provides better solubilization compatibility with plant oils and skin surface lipids. also provides mild penetration enhancement via oleate-stratum corneum interaction.

Typically Found In: Creams with plant oils,penetration-enhanced formulas,o/w emulsions

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – sorbitan ester emulsifier

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional – peg petroleum; oleate plant-derived

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – 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: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Polysorbate 80's oleic acid tail provides a unique duality: as an emulsifier, it stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions via its hlb balance, but the oleate chain also partitions into the stratum corneum's lipid bilayers providing mild penetration enhancement. this dual emulsification + penetration enhancement from a single ingredient explains ps-80's widespread use in transdermal drug delivery systems as well as cosmetics.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12