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The ingredient, explained

Polysorbate 60

A published expert safety assessment covers the exact ingredient in the specified exposure context.

EmulsifyingSurfactant
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Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

Polysorbate 60 has surfactant and emulsifying roles. It helps different liquid components mix within a cosmetic formula.

About this ingredient: CosIng identity and functions via Open Beauty Facts ↗ · European Commission ingredient function definitions ↗

Emulsifying
Helps liquids that do not normally mix form a mixture.
Surfactant
Changes surface tension to help a product distribute or interact with other materials.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Safety assessment

Panel judged listed polysorbates safe at assessed cosmetic concentrations, drawing on animal and clinical skin testing.

What this does not tell us

Dated group assessment with read-across; not isolated polysorbate 60 efficacy, unlimited exposure safety or current regulatory clearance.

Sources for this summary. DOI 10.3109/10915818409021272 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Bounded review of local candidates, exact-name indexed primary journal/PubMed safety and topical searches; not a systematic review.

Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.

Read the 1 selected study

Follow the formula

Products containing this ingredient

All 188 products ↗

From the Serenfold edit. Linked by the ingredient list, without an efficacy ranking.

Names and identifiers

Registry identity

Sorbitan, monooctadecanoate, poly-oxy-1‚2-ethanediyl- derivs.

INCI name on ingredient lists
POLYSORBATE 60
CAS registry number
9005-67-8

Sources for this ingredient record