Polysorbate 65
AKA: Polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
Sorbitan, trioctadecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.
CAS #
9005-71-4
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.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
UV Protection
Antioxidant Protection
Locks In Moisture
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A modern synthetic emulsifier created from sorbitol and tristearate. Developed to provide superior emulsification and stability in cosmetic and personal care products.
EWG
2
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