murphyPolysorbate 21
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginDerived from sorbitol and oleic acid, members of the polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester chemical family. Synthesized through esterification of sorbitol with oleic acid, then ethoxylated with ethylene oxide.
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
UV Protection
Antioxidant Protection
Locks In Moisture
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
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Skin Irritant
2 studies / 2 not irritating (CIR 201)
Not a Sensitizer (CIR report on the ingredient group)
CIR report statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 201)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results (CIR report on the ingredient group)
CIR report statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 201)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.33–2%
Rinse-off0.5–8%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2014 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR