Characteristics
- INCI
- Polysorbate 20
- CAS
-
9005-64-5
This is the substance number in the Chemical Abstracts Service registry. The CAS number uniquely identifies a substance regardless of language, trade name, or synonyms.
- Functions
- emulsifying, surfactant
- Irritancy
-
0 / 5
Irritation potential: 0–5, where 5 is the highest irritation rating for the ingredient.
More detail → - Comedogen.
-
0 / 5
Comedogenicity index: 0–5. A non-comedogenic ingredient (0–1) is unlikely to cause cosmetic acne.
More detail →
Who it's for
Skin Type
▲ Dry
▲ Oily
▲ Combination
▲ Normal
▲ Sensitive
▲ Acne-Prone
Application Area
▲ Face
▲ Body
▲ Hair
▲ Scalp
▲ Eyes
▲ Lips
sorbitan, monododecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.
Description
It's a common little helper ingredient that helps water and oil to mix together. Also, it can help to increase the solubility of some other ingredients in the formula.
Frequently Asked Questions about Polysorbate 20
What is Polysorbate 20 used for in skincare and cosmetics?
Polysorbate 20 is mainly used as an emulsifier and solubilizer, which means it helps oil and water mix more evenly. In cosmetics, it is often added to products like facial mists, micellar waters, perfumes, and room sprays to keep fragrant or oily ingredients dispersed in water. It can also help make a formula feel more uniform and stable.
Is Polysorbate 20 safe to use on skin?
Polysorbate 20 is generally considered safe in cosmetic products when used at typical concentrations. It has a long history of use and is allowed in many types of personal care formulas. As with any ingredient, very sensitive skin may react to a product's full formula, especially if it also contains fragrance or other potential irritants.
Can Polysorbate 20 cause side effects or skin irritation?
Polysorbate 20 is usually well tolerated, but some people may experience mild irritation, especially if the product is left on the skin or used in a formula with strong fragrance or other sensitizing ingredients. It is not commonly considered a high-risk ingredient for most users. If you notice stinging, redness, or itching, stopping the product is a sensible first step.
How do you use Polysorbate 20 with essential oils or perfume ingredients?
Polysorbate 20 is used to help essential oils or fragrance oils disperse in water-based products so they do not float on top or separate. It is often blended with the oil phase first before adding water, which helps create a more stable spray or mist. The exact amount depends on the oil load and the type of product, so formulators usually test a few ratios to find the clearest, most stable result.
What is the difference between Polysorbate 20 and Polysorbate 80?
Both ingredients are nonionic surfactants used to solubilize oils, but they are not interchangeable in every formula. Polysorbate 20 is generally better suited to lighter essential oils and fragrance ingredients, while Polysorbate 80 is often used with heavier oils. The right choice depends on the type of oil you want to disperse and the texture or clarity you want in the final product.
Products with Polysorbate 20 (15 416 total)
Hair
Face Care
Body Care
Decorative Cosmetics
Most often found in Sesderma products (196 items)
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