Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

POLYSORBATE 60.

Valuable CAS 9005-67-8 / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Polysorbate 60 is a nonionic surfactant, primarily serving as an emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and a solubilizer for hydrophobic ingredients. It also enhances product texture, contributing to a smoother skin feel and potentially improving active ingredient delivery.

Summary

Emulsifying Surfactant Solubilizer

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a versatile nonionic surfactant, Polysorbate 60 efficiently reduces surface tension, enabling the stable combination of oil and water to create emulsions, predominantly oil-in-water types. It functions as a solubilizer, effectively dispersing lipophilic compounds such as essential oils and fragrances into water-based systems. This capability can also improve the bioavailability and skin penetration of certain active ingredients. Beyond its primary roles, Polysorbate 60 acts as a dispersant to ensure uniform ingredient distribution, a stabilizer to prevent phase separation, and contributes to a pleasant product texture, potentially leaving skin feeling softer and more hydrated.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 When combined with cetyl alcohol, Polysorbate 60 has been shown to improve the penetration of vitamin C and other antioxidants into the skin.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 3 – 9
0 7 14

Stability

Polysorbate 60 demonstrates robust stability across a broad pH spectrum, effective between pH 3.0 and 9.0. Its nonionic nature renders it resistant to common issues like oxidation, microbial degradation, and variations in pH or ionic strength.

Synergies

  • Cetyl alcohol (improves penetration of active ingredients)

Conflicts

  • Citric acid (can increase phase separation)
  • Propylene glycol (can increase phase separation)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded Polysorbate 60 is safe for cosmetic use when formulated to be non-irritating, exhibiting little potential for skin irritation, sensitization, or phototoxicity in extensive testing. The FDA also recognizes it as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for direct food additive uses. Concerns regarding potential 1,4-dioxane contamination, a byproduct of the ethoxylation process, can be effectively managed through stringent purification steps during manufacturing.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Polysorbate 60 is a valuable multifunctional ingredient, crucial for stabilizing emulsions, enhancing ingredient delivery, and improving product texture, with a favorable safety and compatibility profile across most skin types.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…