In our reference data, Polysorbate 20 can feed Malassezia (fungal acne).
Polysorbate 20 is a nonionic surfactant derived from sorbitol and lauric acid, used in skincare to solubilize fragrances and essential oils and to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions. It functions primarily as a formulation aid rather than a treatment active.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Generally well tolerated; transient irritation possible, more likely in sensitive or compromised skin. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sporadic case reports; sensitization may sometimes relate to residual contaminants from manufacturing. |
Eye irritation | Uncommon | Surfactant properties can cause stinging or irritation on direct ocular contact. |
Enhanced penetration of other ingredients | Common | Not an adverse effect per se, but as a solubilizer it may increase absorption of co-formulated substances. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.