Polysorbate 20
Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifier — gentle surfactant and emulsifier. It's found in 278 products in our database, making it one of the most common ingredients.
What it does
Gentle surfactant and emulsifier
Who it's best for
A supporting ingredient — found in most cream and lotion formulas.
- Essential for product stability, not typically chosen by the consumer
- Generally well-tolerated across all skin types
- Helps oil and water phases blend into a smooth, usable texture
Works well with
- +Draws in moisture(humectant)
- +Softens and smooths(emollient)
- +Locks moisture in(occlusive)
278 products
Holds the formula together
Best products with Polysorbate 20
Moisturisers
See all moisturisers→Eye care
See all eye care→Serums
See all serums→exfoliant
See all exfoliant→Cleansers
See all cleansers→Top products with Polysorbate 20
The Littles 8.0
DermInfusions Fill + Repair Eye Cream
Retinol Reform® with 1% Encapsulated Retinol for Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Vitamin Enriched Smoothing Serum with Niacinamide + Vitamin C
Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum
1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum
A-Passioni Retinol Cream
Mini Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel Pads
Overnight Vitalizing Mask
Mini Must-Haves with 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner, Foaming Cleanser, & SPF 50
Perfect Renew 3x Signature Serum Advanced for Anti-Aging, Firming & Lifting
No. 9 NAD Bio Lifting-sil Essence
Buffet
Mini The BARRIER Bioactive Treatment Face Mask with PDRN
Hydration Multiplier Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum with Ceramides
Alpha Beta® On The Spot Eliminator 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Gel
The RETURN Eye Concentrate Eye Cream for Brightening + Firming
Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturizer
Strength Peptide Barrier Boost Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide
Confidence In A Cream Anti-Aging Moisturizer
Frequently asked questions
What does Polysorbate 20 do in skincare?
Gentle surfactant and emulsifier
Is Polysorbate 20 safe for sensitive skin?
Polysorbate 20 is generally well-tolerated and has no specific concern flags in our database. As with any ingredient, patch-test if you have highly reactive skin.
What products contain Polysorbate 20?
278 products in our database contain Polysorbate 20. The highest-rated is Drunk Elephant The Littles 8.0 scoring 9.8/9.8.
Can I use Polysorbate 20 every day?
Emulsifiers are present in most cream formulas and are used daily without concern. They are a structural part of the product.