Polysorbate 60

Polysorbate 60 is an emulsifier made from the sugar ingredient sorbitol, the fatty acid stearic acid chemically condenses with ethylene oxide, a colorless gas. Along with keeping unlike ingredients combined, polysorbate 60 also aids in the dispersion of key ingredients throughout an emulsion.

This ingredient is also considered a nonionic (uncharged) surfactant, the formal way to describe a mild cleansing agent that helps enhance foam and provides thickening properties.

When combined with cetyl alcohol, polysorbate 60 has been shown to improve penetration of vitamin C and other antioxidants into skin.

The standard usage range of polysorbate 60 in cosmetics is 1–10%. Amounts of 5% or more have been shown to irritate skin; however, other studies using amounts as high as 15% have not shown an irritant or sensitized response. As such, polysorbate 60 is generally considered safe for skin when used in amounts below 5%, with a 1% concentration considered non-irritating.