Polysorbate 40
A non-ionic emulsifier and solubilizer that holds oil and water together. Mild and safe on its own. The catch for fungal-acne-prone skin: polysorbates from the fatty-acid series can feed Malassezia, so they are avoided with malassezia folliculitis.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
Frequently asked questions
Is Polysorbate 40 safe during pregnancy?
Polysorbate 40 is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Polysorbate 40 for?
Polysorbate 40 suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Polysorbate 40 and what does it do in cosmetics?
A non-ionic emulsifier and solubilizer that holds oil and water together.
What's the INCI name for Polysorbate 40?
The INCI name is Polysorbate 40. It may also appear as: Tween 40, Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monopalmitate.
See Polysorbate 40 in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Polysorbate 60, Polysorbate 80, Polyurethane-64, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Stearyl Dimethicone, C30-45 Olefin, Ethyl Acetate, Octyldodeceth-16
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