PEG-75 Sorbitan Laurate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 75 Sorbitan Laurate, Polysorbate 20
Synthetic
Cleanser
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Sorbitan, monododecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs. (75 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
9005-64-5
Form
Liquid
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Cleansing Surfactant
Locks In Moisture
Antioxidant Protection
Anti-Aging Benefits
Removes Impurities
Traditional Use
Synthetic emulsifier created in the 20th century from lauric acid (derived from coconut oil, used traditionally in Pacific Island skincare) and sorbitan. Developed to provide stable water-in-oil and oil-in-water emulsions in cosmetic formulations.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
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