Polysorbate 20

Polysorbate 20 molecular structurePubChem

adults • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Polysorbate 20?

✅
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Polysorbate 20 is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults and teens, Polysorbate 20 is usually safe. It helps mix oils and water in creams and lotions. Most people don’t have problems, though a small number may notice mild irritation.

✅What to Do

If you’re an adult using products with this ingredient: use as directed, avoid applying to broken or very irritated skin, and patch test a new product on a small area first. Prefer products from brands that test for manufacturing impurities or state they control residues. If you have sensitive skin, look for fragrance‑free formulas and stop use if you get redness or stinging.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for irritation or allergic reactions (rare). The ingredient safety report notes possible contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane if the ingredient isn’t properly purified — choose products from manufacturers that test for impurities. Some verification programs restrict this ingredient unless manufacturers provide proof of low impurities.

Confidence: HIGH

Are you holding the product?

Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.

Scan the full label for free
Get instant analysis of all ingredients together

Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: The ingredient entry flags high contamination concerns for ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane—impurities that are linked to cancer risk. The industry safety review and ingredient notes also highlight these contamination issues and the need to control manufacturing impurities, so cancer risk comes from those contaminants rather than the pure ingredient itself.
Long-Term Risk: Safety notes point to data gaps and that safety assessments rely on reported ‘as used’ concentrations and manufacturing controls. Because the main concern is contamination by chemicals that can build up with repeated exposure, there is a possible long-term health risk if products contain such impurities over time.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Polysorbate 20

This ingredient may also be listed as:

polysorbate 20Polysorbate-20POLYSORBATE 20POLYSORBATE (INN)POLYOXYETHYLENESORBITAN MONOLAURATEPOLYOXYETHYLENE (20) SORBITAN MONOLAURATE9005-64-5TWEEN 202-{2-[3,4-BIS(2-HYDROXYETHOXY)OXOLAN-2-YL]-2-(2-HYDROXYETHOXY)ETHOXY}ETHYL DODECANOATE2-(2-(3,4-BIS(2-HYDROXYETHOXY)TETRAHYDROFURAN-2-YL)-2-(2-HYDROXYETHOXY)ETHOXY)ETHYL DODECANOATE118955-40-1POLYOXYETHYLENE SORBITAN MONOLAURATEpolysorbate-20

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

Products Containing Polysorbate 20

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Polysorbate 20 or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Polysorbate 20

Is this safe for adults to use Polysorbate 20?

Yes, Polysorbate 20 is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

What are the cancer risks of Polysorbate 20 for adults?

Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure.

What are the long-term risk risks of Polysorbate 20 for adults?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.

What products contain Polysorbate 20?

Polysorbate 20 is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can adults using products with Polysorbate 20?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

📱

Want to scan another product?

Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels

Scan Another Product