PEG-20 Sorbitan Oleate

AKA “Polysorbate 80, Tween 80, Sorbitan Oleate PEG-20”

Surfactant

Ingredient Facts

Peg-20 sorbitan oleate

AKA: Polysorbate 80, Tween 80, Sorbitan Oleate PEG-20

Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 2

Synthetic

Cleanser

Emulsifier

Plant Oil

Clean

Sorbitan, mono-9-octadecenoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs., (Z)- (20 mol EO average molar ratio)

CAS #

9005-65-6

Form

Liquid

See origin →

Functions

Cleansing

Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.

Cleansing

Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.

Emulsifying

Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.

Surfactant Cleansing

Surfactant Emulsifying

Moisturizing

Strengthens Barrier

Removes dirt and impurities

Lifts away dirt and oil

Mixes oil and water

Traditional Use

Developed in the mid-20th century as a synthetic emulsifier combining polyethylene glycol with sorbitan and oleic acid (from olive oil). Created to stabilize oil-water mixtures in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals without relying on traditional natural emulsifiers.