Polysorbate 21
AKA “Polysorbate 21, Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate”
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Polysorbate 21
AKA: Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 1
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
Sorbitan, monododecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.
CAS #
9005-64-5
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.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
UV Protection
Antioxidant Protection
Locks In Moisture
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A synthetic emulsifier developed in the mid-20th century as a variation of polysorbate compounds. Designed to improve emulsion stability and replace natural emulsifying agents in cosmetic formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Polysorbate 21
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polysorbate 21
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Physicochemical characterization of sodium stearoyl lactylate (SSL), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20) and κ-carrageenan.
Ortiz-Tafoya MC, Tecante A
Data in brief, 2018
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR