Polysorbate 60

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Polysorbate 60?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Polysorbate 60 is generally considered safe for 6-12 month old babies when used in topical products. Monitor for any reactions in older babies.

ℹ️General Overview

For babies 6–12 months (infants), Polysorbate 60 is usually low risk when used on normal, unbroken skin. It helps mix oil and water in lotions and creams. The biggest concerns are rare irritation and possible tiny amounts of manufacturing contaminants.

What to Do

Choose products labeled for babies from brands that test ingredients. Before using a new cream, do a small patch test on your baby’s forearm or the inside of the wrist and wait 24–48 hours to check for redness or irritation. Don’t put products with this ingredient on broken or irritated skin. If your baby has very sensitive skin, eczema, or a rash, ask your pediatrician before use. If any redness, swelling, or fussiness appears after use, stop and talk to your child’s doctor.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin irritation or eye irritation — stop use if you see rash, redness, swelling, or the baby seems uncomfortable. There are reported manufacturing impurity concerns (ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane); these are not the ingredient itself but possible contaminants formed during processing. Some industry reviewers recommend limiting concentration and formulation to avoid irritation (Cosmetic Ingredient Review), and government reviews note low overall toxicity but also record these contamination concerns (Environment Canada and industry safety reviews). Prefer products whose makers test for these impurities or belong to verification programs that require testing.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: Safety notes flag that this ingredient can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane. Those two chemicals are linked to cancer by major health agencies, so contamination makes cancer a real concern for users of products that contain this ingredient.
Long-Term Risk: Industry safety reviews and regulatory notes point to contamination and data gaps for this ingredient and say use may need limits. Because harmful contaminants can be present and safety assessments note limits, repeated use could raise longer‑term health risks.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Polysorbate 60

This ingredient may also be listed as:

polysorbate-60polysorbate 602-(2-(3,4-BIS(2-HYDROXYETHOXY)TETRAHYDROFURAN-2-YL)-2-(2-HYDROXYETHOXY)ETHOXY)ETHYL DODECANOATEPOLYSORBATE 40 (NF)TWEEN(R) 20118955-40-19005-66-7POLYSORBATE 60 (NF)TWEEN 20 (TN)TWEEN (R) 20POLYSORBATE 20 (NF)ALKEST TW 20

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Polysorbate 60

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Polysorbate 60 or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Polysorbate 60

Can older babies safely use Polysorbate 60?

Yes, Polysorbate 60 is generally considered safe for 6-12 month old babies based on current research.

What are the cancer risks of Polysorbate 60 for older babies?

Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the long-term risk risks of Polysorbate 60 for older babies?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Polysorbate 60?

Polysorbate 60 is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

Is this appropriate for older babies to using products with Polysorbate 60?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 6-12 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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