Polysorbate 60 is a polyethoxylated sorbitan ester (a stearic acid ester of sorbitol and its mono- and dianhydrides copolymerized with approximately 20 moles of ethylene oxide), a powerful oil-in-water emulsifier with HLB value of 14.9. It is a soft solid (paste) soluble in water.
Due to its mildness, Polysorbate 60 is used extensively as an emulsifier and solubilizer in skin care emulsions, makeup foundations, hair rinses, and even pharmaceuticals. It is low toxicity and lacks skin irritation characteristics.
Polysorbate 60 is used as an oil-in-water emulsifier and stabilizer for lotions, creams, gels, and other personal care formulations. It can also act as a binder for pressed powder systems.
Polysorbate 60 produces stable emulsions, especially when used with cetyl or stearyl alcohols. It is especially effective when used along with sorbitan esters, such as sorbitan monostearate.Polysorbate 60 is a safe ingredient permitted for use as a multi-purpose food additive (listed in 21 CFR 172.836). It has numerous regulatory approvals, including TSCA (US), DSL (Canada), ENCS (Japan), AICS (Australia), ECL (Korea), SWISS (Switzerland), and PICCS (Philippines). It is manufactured to meet the Kosher requirements designated by the Orthodox Union (OU).