The Index · Emulsifier / surfactant
Polysorbate 20
Polysorbate 20
Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifier or surfactant that keeps oil and water phases mixed.
FunctionalFunctional ingredient, not graded for skin benefits
Sign in to save and follow
Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifier or surfactant that keeps oil and water phases mixed.
What it does
Helps emulsify oil and water or wet pigments/filters so the formula stays uniform.
The evidence
Functional ingredient (not graded for skin benefits): Emulsifier or surfactant used to keep oil and water phases mixed; residual impurity limits are the usual regulatory focus. Credible chemical identity and cosmetic-use context come from CIR/SCCS/manufacturer INCI definitions and databases such as SpecialChem/PubChem[1].
How to use it
Expect this as a supporting INCI line item unless labelled as a featured active.
What it does in the formula
Functional ingredient — not graded for skin benefits
Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifier or surfactant that keeps oil and water phases mixed.[1]
Safety & limits
Source and region, always
all — Used in cosmetics within conventional leave-on/rinse-off levels; see cited safety literature.[1] CA US EU UK
Sources · 2
Numbered as cited in the text
- [1]Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessment. CIR (2010)regulator
- [2]SpecialChem. SpecialChem INCI profile: Polysorbate 20. SpecialChem (2024)other
Revision history
18 Sept 2026Drafted by botTheSkindex Desk