Ingredient dictionary

Polysorbate 20

Also listed as: PEG-20 Sorbitan Laurate, Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate

Polysorbate 20 is a mild, water-soluble emulsifier made from sorbitol and a lauric-type fatty acid. Its main job is keeping oil and water blended together. It is on the label of 79 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

What Polysorbate 20 does

Holds oil and water together in one formula
Helps dissolve oil-soluble ingredients in water
Helps spread the formula evenly on skin

Polysorbate 20 is made from sorbitol, a sugar alcohol, joined to a lauric-type fatty acid, often plant-derived. The molecule is then reacted with ethylene oxide, which adds a water-loving chain. The result is a thick, water-soluble liquid used in small amounts.

Formulators use it because one end of the molecule likes oil and the other likes water, so it helps the two stay blended. It appears in body washes and cleansers, where it helps oils rinse clean, and in serums and retinoid products, where it keeps active ingredients evenly spread. In moisturizers it helps give creams a smooth, even feel.

Good for

Suits most skin types, as it is generally well tolerated in everyday cleansers, moisturizers and serums.

Frequently asked questions

Is Polysorbate 20 safe for skin?

Polysorbate 20 is widely used and generally considered gentle at the levels found in cosmetics. As with any ingredient, a few people may notice irritation, so a patch test on a small area is a sensible step.

Why is Polysorbate 20 in retinoid and serum products?

Many retinoid and serum formulas contain active ingredients that need to stay evenly mixed. Polysorbate 20 helps keep them dispersed, so the product feels smooth and consistent from the first pump to the last.