PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polysorbate 20, Tween 20
Synthetic
Cleanser
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Sorbitan, monododecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs. (80 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
Removes Impurities
Traditional Use
A synthetic emulsifier developed in the 1950s-1960s combining polyethylene glycol with sorbitan (derived from sorbitol, a sugar alcohol) and lauric acid. Created to provide stable emulsification in cosmetics and personal care products as an alternative to traditional soap-based emulsifiers.
EWG
3
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-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR