Polysorbate 60

Polysorbate 60 molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Emulsifier
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginDerived from sorbitol and fatty acids, typically obtained from petroleum or plant oils. Synthesized through ethoxylation and esterification of sorbitol with stearic acid.
Sorbitan, monooctadecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.
CAS #
9005-67-8
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.
Surfactant Cleansing
Surfactant Emulsifying
Moisturizing
Strengthens Barrier
Antioxidant
Lifts away dirt and oil
Mixes oil and 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
Not a Sensitizer
2 studies / 2 not sensitizing / plus 1 case report (CIR 201)
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions minimal to mild (CIR 201)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
15 studies / 6 irritating / 2 mixed / 7 not irritating / reactions minimal to moderate (CIR 201 and 696)
Mixed Phototoxicity Results
Both phototoxic and non-phototoxic results in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 201)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.00009–4%
Rinse-off0.0000001–6%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2014 survey
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR