In our reference data, Polysorbate 60 can feed Malassezia (fungal acne).
Polysorbate 60 is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from sorbitol and stearic acid, used to blend oil and water phases and stabilize emulsions in creams and lotions. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Possible transient redness or stinging, generally in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization has been reported but is infrequent; reactions may relate to residual impurities such as sorbitan esters or fatty acid components. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can cause mild irritation on direct ocular contact. |
| Concerns over residual ethylene oxide/1,4-dioxane impurities | Very rare | Relates to manufacturing byproducts of ethoxylation rather than the ingredient itself; controlled by purification standards. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.