PEG-60 Sorbitan Stearate
AKA “Polysorbate 60, Polyoxyethylene (60) Sorbitan Monostearate”
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Peg-60 sorbitan stearate
AKA: Polysorbate 60, Polyoxyethylene (60) Sorbitan Monostearate
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 3
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Sorbitan, monooctadecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs. (60 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
9005-67-8
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 Surfactant
Removes Impurities
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a synthetic emulsifier derived from sorbitol and stearic acid. Designed to replace traditional plant-based emulsifiers and stabilize oil-water mixtures in cosmetics without the inconsistency of natural alternatives.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
3
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
PEG-60 Sorbitan Stearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polysorbate 60
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG-60 Sorbitan Stearate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Polysorbate 60
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Investigating the influence of excipient batch variation on the structure, consistency and physical stability of polysorbate 60-based topical vehicles
Vu Dang H, Tran Huu H, Nguyen HMT
International journal of cosmetic science, 2021
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR