Ingredient glossary
Polysorbate 60
On your shelf ✓What Polysorbate 60 does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Polysorbate 60 · Also: Tween 60, PEG-20 Sorbitan Stearate
In short: Polysorbate 60 delivers solubilization and emulsification, plays a broad, supporting role, and the evidence behind it is strong.
- What it does
- Solubilization, emulsification
- Best for
- A broad, supporting role
- Evidence
- Strong
What it actually is
The Glow take
Nice to have, and nothing to overthink.
Polysorbate 60 plays a quiet supporting role, rounding out a formula rather than being the reason you buy it.
— Maya
What it does
- solubilization
- emulsification
strong evidenceThe CIR polysorbates assessment concluded they are safe as used when formulated to be non-irritating; undiluted material can irritate but typical cream levels sit far below that.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
No specific skin type. It is a broadly used ingredient.
Approach with care
- rare allergy
- Irritation riskLow
How it fits each skin type
- DryNeutral
- CombinationNeutral
- OilyNeutral
- SensitiveNeutral
Take extra care if any of these apply to you: rare allergy.
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
- emulsifiers
Polysorbate 60, answered
Is Polysorbate 60 safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Polysorbate 60 is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with anything, if you are unsure it is worth a quick word with your doctor or midwife.
Who should avoid Polysorbate 60?
Approach Polysorbate 60 with care if any of these apply to you: rare allergy.
What concentration of Polysorbate 60 actually works?
Its concentration is rarely printed on the label, so use the ingredient list as your clue: near the top third it is likely doing real work, near the bottom it is more of a sprinkle.
Does it clog pores?
No comedogenicity studies exist; rated 0 here like its sibling Polysorbate 20.
- This rating comes from old lab tests on the isolated ingredient, not the finished product.
- The full formula, how much is used, and your own skin all matter more than one number.
- If you are acne-prone it is worth noticing, not a reason to avoid it on sight.
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Sources & how we reviewed this
- CIR safety review Polysorbates amended assessment 2015summary page only, the document itself was not read