Ingredient dictionary

Polysorbate 60

Also listed as: PEG-20 Sorbitan Stearate

Polysorbate 60 is a mild, water-loving emulsifier made from sorbitol, ethylene oxide and stearic acid. Its main job is to keep oil and water blended in a smooth mix. It is on the label of 57 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Polysorbate 60 does

Helps oil and water stay mixed
Helps creams and lotions keep an even texture
Helps cleansers lift oils and dirt

It is made from sorbitol, a sugar alcohol, reacted with ethylene oxide, then combined with stearic acid, a fatty acid found in many natural fats. The result is a solid that dissolves easily in water.

Formulators use it because oil and water do not mix on their own. Polysorbate 60 sits at the border between the two, so tiny droplets of oil stay spread through the water. This keeps creams, lotions and shampoos smooth and even. In cleansers it helps oils and dirt lift away when rinsed. It adds little feel of its own, so the texture comes from the rest of the formula.

Good for

Suits most skin and hair types, since it is a common, gentle mixing agent in everyday formulas.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is Polysorbate 60 safe to use?

It is widely used and generally well tolerated. Rarely, it may cause mild irritation on very sensitive skin. If a product stings or causes redness, stop using it and see a dermatologist.

What is the difference between Polysorbate 60 and Polysorbate 80?

Both are emulsifiers from the same family. The number points to the fatty acid part of the molecule: 60 is based on stearic acid, while 80 is based on oleic acid. They do a similar job, with slightly different behavior in a formula.