In our reference data, Polysorbate 40 can feed Malassezia (fungal acne).
Polysorbate 40 is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from sorbitol and palmitic acid, used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and solubilize fragrances and oils in cosmetic formulations. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild skin irritation | Rare | Generally considered low-irritancy; occasional mild redness or stinging in sensitive individuals. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization is uncommon but has been reported in patch-testing literature for polysorbates. |
Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can cause transient irritation on direct contact with the eyes in concentrated form. |
Contact urticaria | Very rare | Isolated case reports describe immediate hypersensitivity reactions to polysorbates. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.