murphyPolysorbate 80
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Emulsifier
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginDerived from sorbitol, a sugar alcohol typically produced from glucose through hydrogenation and esterification with oleic acid. Synthesized by reacting sorbitol with ethylene oxide and oleic acid through a multi-step chemical process called ethoxylation and esterification.
Sorbitan, mono-9-octadecenoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs., (Z)-
CAS #
9005-65-6
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Denaturant
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.
Makes Alcohol Undrinkable
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
UV Protection
Antioxidant Protection
Locks In Moisture
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
4 studies / 4 not sensitizing (CIR 201)
Not Phototoxic
Product formulation test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (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)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
12 studies / 4 irritating / 8 not irritating / reactions minimal to slight (CIR 201 and 696)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.00031–11.9%
Rinse-off0.0038–18.1%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2014 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR