Polysorbate 60 is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier used in creams, lotions, and cleansers. It's included to disperse the oil phase into water, improve product stability, assist gentle cleansing, and keep texture even and uniform.
An emulsifier that keeps creams and lotions smooth and stable.
Category
Emulsifying, Cleansing
Type
Emulsifier
Ingredient Ratings
Overall Rating
Good
Comedogenic Risk
None
Skin Benefits
Promotes smooth, stable emulsions so creams feel consistent and elegant. Assists in lifting makeup and sunscreen during washing without relying on harsher surfactants.
Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics
Common in moisturizers, cold creams, and body lotions for uniform texture. Also used in cream cleansers and cleansing balms to help them emulsify and rinse clean.
Comedogenic Rating
This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.
Safety
Low overall irritation potential, though some individuals may experience mild sensitivity, particularly in richer creams or when combined with fragrances. Suitable for most skin types with routine patch testing for sensitive users.
Is Polysorbate 60 a Good Ingredient?
Good, as it reliably stabilizes oil-in-water systems and aids gentle rinse-off, with a generally mild skin profile. It falls short of Great because its value lies in formulation stability and cleansing support rather than clinically proven skin improvements.