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Comprehensive Cosmetic Industry Ingredient Guide

THIS IS A UNIVERSAL REFERENCE GUIDE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES

THE INGRIDIENT BELOW IS NOT USED IN MITOSKIN FORMULATION UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE

Ingredient
Polysorbate 20

Polysorbate 20

Summary

Polysorbate 20 is a versatile cosmetic ingredient that is widely used in the formulation of personal care and cosmetic products. It is a non-ionic surfactant that is derived from sorbitol and lauric acid, and is known for its emulsifying, solubilizing, and dispersing properties. Polysorbate 20 is commonly used in skincare products, hair care products, and makeup formulations due to its ability to improve the texture, stability, and performance of these products. It is also considered safe for use in cosmetics and has been approved by regulatory bodies such as the FDA and the EU. Overall, Polysorbate 20 is an essential ingredient in the cosmetic industry that offers a range of benefits for formulators and consumers alike.

INCI Name and Common References

INCI Name: Polysorbate 20 Common Terms: Tween 20 Nicknames: PS20

Function

Polysorbate 20 is a surfactant and emulsifier commonly used in cosmetic formulations. It helps to mix oil and water-based ingredients together, creating a smooth and consistent texture. It also helps to improve the spreadability and absorption of products on the skin. Additionally, it can act as a mild cleansing agent and can help to solubilize fragrances and essential oils.

Science

Polysorbate 20 is a nonionic surfactant that is commonly used as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and dispersant in various industries. It is composed of a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) chain and a lipophilic sorbitan ester chain, which allows it to interact with both water and oil-based substances. When added to a mixture of oil and water, polysorbate 20 reduces the surface tension between the two phases, allowing them to mix more easily and form a stable emulsion. It also helps to solubilize hydrophobic substances, such as essential oils or fragrances, in water-based products. In addition, polysorbate 20 can act as a dispersant, helping to evenly distribute particles or droplets throughout a solution. This property is useful in the formulation of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products. Overall, the physical properties of polysorbate 20 make it a versatile ingredient that can improve the stability, texture, and appearance of various products.

Benefits

1. Acts as a gentle emulsifier, helping to blend oil and water-based ingredients in skincare products. 2. Helps to improve the texture and consistency of skincare products. 3. Can help to increase the absorption of other active ingredients in skincare products. 4. Has moisturizing properties, helping to hydrate and soothe the skin. 5. Can help to reduce the appearance of redness and inflammation in the skin. 6. Generally considered safe and non-irritating for most skin types.

Negatives

Polysorbate 20 is a commonly used emulsifier in various cosmetic and personal care products. While it is generally considered safe for use, there are some potential side effects, sensitivities, and interactions that should be taken into consideration. One possible side effect of polysorbate 20 is skin irritation or allergic reactions. Some people may be sensitive to this ingredient and experience redness, itching, or swelling when using products that contain it. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is recommended to discontinue use of the product and consult with a healthcare professional. Polysorbate 20 may also interact with other ingredients in a product. For example, it may reduce the effectiveness of preservatives or antimicrobial agents, which could lead to bacterial growth or contamination. It is important to carefully consider the formulation of a product when using polysorbate 20 to ensure that it is compatible with other ingredients. Additionally, polysorbate 20 may have some potential health concerns when ingested. It has been linked to liver and kidney damage in animal studies, although the relevance of these findings to humans is not yet clear. As a result, it is generally recommended to avoid ingesting products that contain polysorbate 20. Overall, while polysorbate 20 is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic and personal care products, it is important to be aware of potential side effects, sensitivities, and interactions with other ingredients. If you have any concerns about using products that contain this ingredient, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional.

Source

Polysorbate 20 is a synthetic ingredient that is derived from sorbitol, a natural sugar alcohol. It is commonly used as an emulsifier and solubilizer in various industries, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The processing pathway of Polysorbate 20 involves the reaction of sorbitol with ethylene oxide, which results in the formation of a mixture of sorbitan monoesters and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monoesters. Polysorbate 20 is then isolated from this mixture through a series of purification steps, including distillation and chromatography. The final product is a clear, viscous liquid that is water-soluble and has a mild odor.

Safety

Polysorbate 20 has a safety rating score of 3 out of 10 on the EWG Skin Deep database, indicating a low to moderate hazard. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products, but may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. Other sources, such as the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel, have also deemed polysorbate 20 to be safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 10%. Overall, while polysorbate 20 may pose some risks for certain individuals, it is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products.

Sustainability

Polysorbate 20 is a commonly used ingredient in many personal care and cosmetic products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water-based ingredients together. While it is generally considered safe for use in these products, there are some environmental concerns associated with its production and use. Polysorbate 20 is derived from ethylene oxide, which is a petrochemical. The production of petrochemicals is known to have a significant impact on the environment, including air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the depletion of natural resources. Additionally, the use of polysorbate 20 in personal care products can contribute to water pollution when these products are washed down the drain and enter the water supply. In terms of ethical sourcing practices, there are no specific concerns related to polysorbate 20. However, it is important to note that many personal care and cosmetic companies are taking steps to ensure that their ingredients are sourced in an ethical and sustainable manner. This may include using ingredients that are certified organic, fair trade, or sustainably sourced. Consumers can look for products that have these certifications or that are transparent about their sourcing practices to support companies that prioritize ethical and sustainable sourcing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Polysorbate 20 is a versatile ingredient commonly used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and stabilizer. Its safety has been extensively studied and it is generally recognized as safe for consumption and topical use. While it offers several benefits such as improved texture and shelf life, it may also have some negative effects such as potential skin irritation. Polysorbate 20 can be derived from natural sources such as coconut oil, but its sustainability may be a concern due to the high demand for palm oil, which is often used as a raw material. Overall, Polysorbate 20 is a useful ingredient that can enhance the quality and efficacy of various products, but its sourcing and potential negative effects should be carefully considered.

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