What is Polysorbate 60

It is an ester of polyoxyethylated sorbitol monoanhydride (i.e., sorbitan).

What it is used for and where

It is non-ionic surfactant  with lesser quantities of polyoxyethylated esters of sorbitol, emulsifier.

Polysorbate 60 is known for its excellent ability to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions, enhancing the texture and even distribution of insoluble ingredients. This emulsifier is particularly useful in formulas containing both an oil phase and a water phase, such as moisturizing creams, lotions, and hair care products. It ensures that products remain homogeneous during use, preventing ingredient separation and improving the feel on the skin. Polysorbate 60 is also used in foods as a texturing agent and to increase shelf life.

Cosmetics - INCI Functions

Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and are used to soothe or soften the skin and emulsify, so they need a specific, stabilising ingredient. This ingredient forms a film, lowers the surface tension and makes two immiscible liquids miscible. A very important factor affecting the stability of the emulsion is the amount of the emulsifying agent. Emulsifiers have the property of reducing the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improving the stability of the emulsion and also directly influencing the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating the filmometric performance.

Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities

It is used in:

• Food as an additive
• Cosmetic products, creams, toothpastes

In predisposed subjects it could give allergy (1), but it is not considered dangerous.

Polysorbate 60 studies

Molecular Formula : C₆₄H₁₂₆O₂₆

Molecular Weight : 

CAS : 9005-67-8

Synonyms :

• Tween 60
• E435
• FEMA Number : 2916

References______________________________

(1) Contact urticaria to a corticosteroid cream: polysorbate 60.
Maibach H, Conant M.
Contact Dermatitis. 1977 Dec;3(6):350-1.