Polysorbate 40
AKA “Polysorbate 40, Tween 40, Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalimitate”
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Polysorbate 40
AKA: Tween 40, Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalimitate
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 2
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
Sorbitan, monohexadecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.
CAS #
9005-66-7
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 modern synthetic emulsifier created in the 1950s from sorbitol and palmitic acid. Used as a replacement for traditional natural emulsifiers to improve product stability and texture.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR