Polysorbate 60

Polysorbate 60 molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Emulsifier
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
Sorbitan, monooctadecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.
CAS #
9005-67-8
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.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Surfactant Cleansing
Surfactant Emulsifying
Moisturizing
Strengthens Barrier
Antioxidant
Lifts away dirt and oil
Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
A synthetic nonionic surfactant developed in the mid-20th century from sorbitol and stearic acid. Created to provide reliable emulsification in cosmetics, replacing earlier natural emulsifying agents.
EWG
2
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-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