murphyPolysorbate 20
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Emulsifier
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginDerived from sorbitol, a sugar alcohol typically sourced from corn or glucose, and oleic acid, a fatty acid from vegetable oils. Synthesized through ethoxylation and esterification, bonding polyethylene glycol chains to sorbitol monooleate.
Sorbitan, monododecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.
CAS #
9005-64-5
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Antioxidant Protection
Fights Bacteria
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
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.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
4 studies / 1 irritating / 1 mixed / 2 not irritating / reactions minimal to severe (CIR 201 and 696)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
9 studies / 5 irritating / 4 not irritating / reactions minimal to mild (CIR 201)
Mixed Sensitization Results
5 studies / 1 sensitizing / 4 not sensitizing (CIR 201)
Mixed Phototoxicity Results
Both phototoxic and non-phototoxic results in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 201)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.00001–9.1%
Rinse-off0.0006–19.6%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2014 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR