Emulsifying agent consisting of sorbitol, ethylene oxide & stearic acid (polyoxyethylene-20 sorbitan monostearate), stearic acid is derived from vegetable oil.
Contents
Uses
Polysorbate 60 is a thickening agent and oily liquid used in cosmetics and skin care formulas “to dissolve in a solvent in which they would not normally dissolve. They also help to form emulsions by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified,” according to CosmeticsInfo.org. Polysorbate 60 is a surfactant created by reacting sorbitol with ethylene oxide and fatty acids obtained from vegetable fats and oils. It is used to disperse oil in water in formulas, and seen in a wide variety of products, including skin fresheners, skin care products, skin cleansing products, makeup bases and foundations, shampoos, and fragrance powders.
Caution
The Cosmetics Database finds Polysorbate 60 to be a low hazard ingredient, although it does note concerns regarding cancer, and developmental and reproductive toxicity. Studies in the 1950s showed tumor formation and reproductive effects at high doses. It is not considered an irritant.
Interactions
None are recorded.
Other names
n/a
Reference
Source: TruthInAging, https://www.truthinaging.com/ingredients/polysorbate-60