Polysorbate 80

adultsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Polysorbate 80?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Polysorbate 80 is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults: Polysorbate 80 is usually safe in creams and lotions when made by reputable manufacturers. Most health risks are low, but there is a notable concern that it can be contaminated during manufacturing with chemicals like ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane, and it can sometimes irritate eyes or sensitive skin.

What to Do

Choose products from trusted brands that test for impurities or state they are free of manufacturing contaminants. Do a small patch test on your inner arm before regular use. Avoid applying products with this ingredient to broken or irritated skin, and keep cosmetics out of your eyes. If you have sensitive skin, prefer formulations that state they are designed for sensitive skin or are fragrance-free.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for redness, itching, stinging, or eye irritation and stop use if these occur. Be aware of contamination risks (ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane) reported in ingredient safety reviews and government assessments—when concerned, look for products with independent contaminant testing or contact the manufacturer for test results. Also note that industry safety panels recommend limits on concentration and formulation to reduce irritation.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: This ingredient can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane. Those contaminants are flagged by international health agencies as chemicals that can raise cancer risk with repeated exposure, so contamination in the ingredient creates a real cancer concern.
Long-Term Risk: Because the ingredient can contain trace contaminants (ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane) and there are noted data gaps and limits set by the industry safety panel, there is a risk of long-term health effects from repeated use over time.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Polysorbate 80

This ingredient may also be listed as:

polysorbate 80polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleateSORBITAN, MONO-9-OCTADECENOATE, POLY(OXY-1,2-ETHANEDIYL) DERIVS.POLY(OXY-1,2-ETHANEDIYL) DERIVS. SORBITAN, MONO-9-OCTADECENOATEMONO-9-OCTADECENOATE POLY(OXY-1,2-ETHANEDIYL) DERIVS. SORBITANSORBITAN, MONO-9-OCTADECENOATE, (Z)-POLY(OXY-1,2-ETHANEDIYL) DERIVS.SORBITAN, MONO-(9Z)-9-OCTADECENOATE, POLY(OXY-1,2-ETHANEDIYL) DERIVS.SORBITAN, MONO9OCTADECENOATE, POLY(OXY1,2ETHANEDIYL) DERIVS., (Z)POLYOXYETHYLENE SORBITAN MONOOLEATE2-[2-[3,4-BIS(2-HYDROXYETHOXY)OXOLAN-2-YL]-2-(2-HYDROXYETHOXY)ETHOXY]ETHYL OCTADEC-9-ENOATE9005-65-6MFCD00082107

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

Products Containing Polysorbate 80

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Polysorbate 80 or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Polysorbate 80

Is this safe for adults to use Polysorbate 80?

Yes, Polysorbate 80 is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

What are the cancer risks of Polysorbate 80 for adults?

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

What are the long-term risk risks of Polysorbate 80 for adults?

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

What products contain Polysorbate 80?

Polysorbate 80 is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can adults using products with Polysorbate 80?

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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