Ingredient dictionary

Polysorbate 80

Also listed as: PEG-20 Sorbitan Oleate, Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monooleate

A gentle, water-loving emulsifier made from a sorbitol-based sugar alcohol and oleic acid. It helps oil and water mix and stay blended in a formula. It is on the label of 30 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 80 does

Blends oil and water into one mix
Helps oils disperse in water-based cleansers
Helps fragrance and oils dissolve in water
Keeps lotions smooth and evenly mixed

Polysorbate 80 is made through a chemical process from sorbitol, a sugar alcohol usually sourced from plant starch, and oleic acid, a fatty acid found in many plant oils. The two are joined, then a water-loving chain is added to the molecule. That chain balances the oil-loving part, so the whole molecule can sit between oil and water.

Formulators use it because it helps oil and water stay mixed in one smooth product. It also helps oils and fragrance blend into water-based cleansers, which is why it shows up in micellar water. In the finished product it feels light and fluid, and it spreads evenly.

Good for

Suits lotions, micellar waters and acne-care products, where oil and water need to stay mixed.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is Polysorbate 80 safe for sensitive skin?

It is generally well tolerated and appears in many gentle, everyday products. Like any ingredient, a small number of people may react to it, so a patch test on a small area is a sensible habit with any new product.

Does Polysorbate 80 clog pores?

Whether a product clogs pores depends on the whole formula, not one ingredient. Polysorbate 80 is mainly a mixing agent, so the rest of the formula matters more. If you are prone to clogged pores, check the full ingredient list and try a small test first.