Skincare Ingredient
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Polysorbate 60
In Skincare: Is Polysorbate 60 Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects
Safety Information
Quick Insights
At a glance
- 01
Polysorbate 60 is a common emulsifier created from sorbitol and stearic acid.
- 02
This ingredient offers mild cleansing properties to skincare formulations.
- 03
Polysorbate 60 can improve foam production and increase the viscosity of cleansers and emulsions.
- 04
Polysorbate 60 may assist in the delivery of skincare ingredients like vitamin C to the skin.
Overview
Ingredient Profile
Data & Research
Scientific Facts
Common Uses
Formulation in Polysorbate 60
Role of Polysorbate 60
Active Cosmetic Mechanisms
SURFACTANT - CLEANSING
Cleansing SurfactantRemoves dirt and oil through surfactant action
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Cleansing surfactants specifically formulated for removing sebum, dirt, and impurities. Primarily anionic (sodium laureth sulfate, sodium cocoyl isethionate) and amphoteric surfactants (betaines). Mechanism involves reducing surface tension enabling water to wet oily surfaces, solubilizing lipophilic materials in micelles, and emulsifying oils for rinse-off. Cleansing efficacy balanced with mildness by surfactant selection, concentration, and pH optimization. Must avoid excessive lipid removal that compromises barrier function.
SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
Emulsifying SurfactantBlends oil and water phases into stable mixtures
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Emulsifying surfactants enable creation of stable oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions by positioning at oil-water interface, reducing interfacial tension. HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) determines emulsion type: HLB 3-6 for W/O, HLB 8-18 for O/W emulsions. Examples include polysorbate 80, ceteareth-20, glyceryl stearate. Mechanism involves forming interfacial film preventing droplet coalescence. Often used in combinations with co-emulsifiers (fatty alcohols) creating lamellar structures for enhanced stability.
Products
containing Polysorbate 60
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References
Scientific sources
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, December 2021, pages 715–728
International Journal of Pharmaceutics, February 2012, pages 303–311; and January 2021, ePublication
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Frequently Asked Questions
Polysorbate 60 — common questions
What is Polysorbate 60 in skincare?
Polysorbates (including Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 21, Polysorbate 40, Polysorbate 60, Polysorbate 61, Polysorbate 65, Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate 81, and Polysorbate 85) are a group of nonionic surfactants. They are created by reacting sorbitol with ethylene oxide, followed by a reaction with fatty acids derived from vegetable oils and fats like lauric acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid. The number in the Polysorbate name indicates the average number of ethylene oxide molecules
What does Polysorbate 60 do? / Functions of Polysorbate 60?
Common functions: SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING.
What is the comedogenic rating of Polysorbate 60? / Is Polysorbate 60 comedogenic?
Polysorbate 60 has a comedogenic rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is unlikely to clog pores.
Does it clog pores?
Polysorbate 60 is unlikely to clog pores (rating 2/5).
Is Polysorbate 60 safe for skin?
Polysorbate 60 has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Nonionic emulsifier and surfactant reviewed as safe by CIR at typical use levels; may cause mild irritation or contact allergy in sensitive skin. Polysorbate 60 has a moderate comedogenic potential an
Is Polysorbate 60 good for sensitive skin?
Polysorbate 60 has an irritancy rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally well-tolerated.
What are the side effects of Polysorbate 60 in skincare?
Known considerations: Nonionic emulsifier and surfactant reviewed as safe by CIR at typical use levels; may cause mild irritation or contact allergy in sensitive skin. Polysorbate 60 has a moderate comedogenic potential and is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics, though it may contribute to breakouts in acne-prone individuals.