Polysorbate 60

adultsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Polysorbate 60?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Polysorbate 60 is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults: Polysorbate 60 is a common ingredient in lotions and creams and is usually considered low risk. Most people can use products that contain it without problems, but a few adults with sensitive skin may get irritation. There are also concerns about possible contamination during manufacturing (small amounts of ethylene oxide or 1,4‑dioxane) that are controlled by good manufacturing and testing.

What to Do

If you are an adult using a product with Polysorbate 60: do a small patch test on your inner forearm before regular use; avoid applying to broken or inflamed skin; avoid inhaling sprays that contain it; rinse well with water if it gets in your eyes. If you are concerned about manufacturing impurities, choose brands that state they test for impurities or ask the manufacturer about their purification and testing steps.

⚠️Warnings

Stop use and see a doctor if you notice persistent redness, burning, swelling, or a spreading rash after use. The contamination concerns (ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane) come from industry and government reviews and are about manufacturing impurities, not the ingredient itself; look for manufacturers that test for or limit these impurities (sources include Cosmetic Ingredient Review and Environment Canada). Also be aware some product-certification programs restrict this ingredient unless the maker provides testing data.

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

Is this safe for adults to use Polysorbate 60?

Yes, Polysorbate 60 is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

What are the cancer risks of Polysorbate 60 for adults?

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

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

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

What products contain Polysorbate 60?

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

When can adults using products with Polysorbate 60?

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.

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