Polysorbate 60 — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: POLYSORBATE 60
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 9005-67-8
- Category
- emulsifier
- Risk Level
- low
- Common Allergen
- No
- Found In
- cream, ice cream
Is Polysorbate 60 safe in cosmetics?
Polysorbate 60 is rated low risk in cosmetic products. It is not classified as a common allergen and is generally well-tolerated by most skin types. Commonly found in cream, ice cream.
What is Polysorbate 60?
Polysorbate 60 is a emulsifier commonly used in cosmetic and personal care products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics at recommended concentrations.
Allergy & Safety Information
Polysorbate 60 is considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations.
This ingredient is considered low risk from an allergenicity perspective. Reactions are uncommon at typical cosmetic use concentrations. However, no ingredient is universally safe — if you notice redness, itching, or irritation after using a product containing this ingredient, discontinue use and monitor whether symptoms resolve.
About Emulsifier Ingredients
Emulsifiers allow oil and water to mix stably in a formulation, creating creams and lotions. They work by surrounding oil droplets with molecules that are compatible with both water and oil. Most emulsifiers have low sensitisation rates, but some — particularly PEG-derived emulsifiers — can be problematic for barrier-compromised skin.
Relevance for Polysorbate 60: Emulsifiers can disrupt the skin's own lipid barrier through a process called emulsification of skin lipids. For very sensitive or eczema-prone skin, emulsifier-free moisturisers (ointments, oils) are sometimes better tolerated than emulsion-based creams.
How to Identify Polysorbate 60 in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Polysorbate 60, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Cream, Ice cream. These product categories are the most common sources of Polysorbate 60 exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Polysorbate 60? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Polysorbate 60 and other allergens automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Polysorbate 60 safe for sensitive skin?
Polysorbate 60 is generally well-tolerated, even by sensitive skin.
What products contain Polysorbate 60?
Polysorbate 60 is commonly found in cream, ice cream.
What does Polysorbate 60 do in cosmetics?
Polysorbate 60 functions as a emulsifier in formulations.
Related Guides
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