Polysorbate-20

Polysorbate 20 is a nonionic surfactant and solubilizer derived from sorbitan, ethoxylates, and lauric acid. It helps blend essential oils and fragrances into water-based products, lowers surface tension, and stabilizes light emulsions.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
An emulsifier that helps blend fragrance oils into watery formulas.
Category
Emulsifying, Cleansing
Type
Emulsifier

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Promotes product clarity and smooth application in light, watery systems. Helpful for gently blending aromatic oils without heaviness.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Common in facial mists, toners, micellar waters, and gentle gel cleansers to help incorporate perfume oils and essential oil blends into aqueous bases.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Typically nonirritating, though mild stinging or redness can occur in sensitive individuals or near the eyes. Widely used without notable regulatory limits in cosmetics.

Is Polysorbate-20 a Good Ingredient?

Good rating as a gentle solubilizer that helps disperse aromatic oils in watery formulas with a strong safety record and low irritation profile. Slight irritation is possible for very sensitive skin or when used at higher levels in eye-area products.

Products with Polysorbate-20

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