PEG-60 Sorbitan Tetraoleate

PEG-60 Sorbitan Tetraoleate molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polysorbate 85, Polyoxyethylene (60) Sorbitan Tetraoleate
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
1,4-Anhydro-D-glucitol, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivatives, tetraesters with 9-(Z)-octadecenoic acid (60 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
9005-67-8
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Emulsifier
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A synthetic polysorbate emulsifier created in the 1950s-60s as part of the Tween series. Formulated to provide stable emulsification in cosmetics, replacing earlier crude natural emulsifiers like beeswax.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR