Polysorbate 80
Non-ionic emulsifier and solubilizer. Helps dissolve essential oils and lipophilic actives in the water phase and stabilizes cream emulsions.
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, Oily, Combination, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) is a non-ionic emulsifier and solubilizer, a sorbitan ester of oleic acid. One of the most widely used emulsifiers in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals – it stabilizes oil-and-water mixtures into emulsions. Where applied. Creams, lotions, toners, serums (0.5-5%), sunscreens, shampoos and conditioners. In pharmaceuticals – a base for vaccines and injectables as a solubilizer (e.g. remdesivir, tamoxifen). Safety. CIR confirmed safety in 2015 at cosmetic concentrations. Non-comedogenic and non-irritating in most patients. Systemic absorption through intact skin is minimal. Controversy and facts. In a subset of patients with very sensitive skin and rosacea, polysorbate 80 has been described as an irritation trigger – but the effect has not been confirmed in placebo-controlled trials. Allergic reactions to injectable forms (COVID-19 vaccines) are rare (1 case per 100,000–1 million doses). Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Systemic absorption is minimal; no teratogenic effects reported. Alternatives. Lecithin (natural emulsifier), Polysorbate 20 (a milder analogue, often used in baby cosmetics), cetearyl alcohol.
Frequently asked questions
Is Polysorbate 80 safe during pregnancy?
Polysorbate 80 is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Polysorbate 80 for?
Polysorbate 80 suits: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive.
What is Polysorbate 80 and what does it do in cosmetics?
Non-ionic emulsifier and solubilizer.
What's the INCI name for Polysorbate 80?
The INCI name is Polysorbate 80. It may also appear as: Tween 80, PEG-20 Sorbitan Monooleate.
See Polysorbate 80 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
Polyurethane-64, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Polyvinyl Laurate, Potassium Benzoate, Strontium Hydroxide, Calcium Carbonate, Ethyl Hexanediol, Olea Europaea Seed Powder
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