Polysorbate 20
Polysorbate 20 is a surfactant and emulsifying ingredient. It’s in 599 products on Poliage, most often exfoliant, body wash and serum. Avoid lists on Poliage that include it: none.
Updated October 22, 2026
In plain English
A surfactant made from sorbitol, lauric acid and ethylene oxide. Mixes small amounts of oil into water.
What it does
Contains Polysorbate 20: emulsifying
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Polysorbate 20: surfactant
Function listed in CosIng
Source: CosIng, the European Commission cosmetic ingredient database, ref 79318, accessed October 22, 2026.
Products that contain Polysorbate 20
COVERGIRL
Simply Ageless Lash Plumping Waterproof Mascara
Mascara · Lists silicones
Cien
Skin Foodies. Refreshing Body Scrub. CIEN
Lists fragrance
L’Oréal
Skin Naturals Ultra Lift + Sérum Crème Soin anti-rides global 2 en 1
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
CeraVe
Skin Renewing Day Cream SPF 30
Sunscreen · Lists drying alcohol, retinoid, silicones, chemical UV filters
CeraVe
Skin Renewing Eye Cream
Eye cream · Lists silicones
CeraVe
Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
Serum · Lists drying alcohol, retinoid, silicones
Dermalogica
Skin Soothing Hydrating Lotion
Moisturizer · Lists fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, essential oils, salicylic acid
L’Oréal
SkinActive Micellar Foaming Face Wash
Lists sulfates, coconut derivatives
Olay
Smoothing Eyes Retinol24 Eye Cream
Eye cream · Lists retinoid, silicones, formaldehyde releasers
Laura Geller
Soft Matte Baked Blush
Blush · Lists silicones
Tree Hut
Sparkling Sugar Jelly Soap
Body wash · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, essential oils
Camille Rose
Spiked Honey Mousse 4-in-1 Styler
Hair styling · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, coconut derivatives
Maelove
Stargaze Enhanced Retinol Serum
Serum · Lists drying alcohol, exfoliating acid, retinoid
Herbal Essences
Strength + Restore Avocado Sulfate-Free Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
Herbal Essences
Strength Conditioner Papaya + Citrus
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, essential oils, silicones
Not Your Mother’s
Strengthening Volume Foam
Hair styling · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, essential oils, coconut derivatives
Marc Anthony
Strictly Curls Curl Defining Lotion
Hair styling · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, silicones
StriVectin
StriVectin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Eye Cream
Lists retinoid, silicones
Unilever
Strong Hold Gel
Lists fragrance, parabens, chemical UV filters, formaldehyde releasers
MAC
Studio Radiance Face And Body Radiant Sheer Foundation
Foundation · Lists fragrance allergens, essential oils, silicones
Styling gel
Lists fragrance, formaldehyde releasers
Moroccanoil
Styling Gel - Strong
Hair styling · Lists fragrance
Kenra Professional
Styling Gel 17
Hair styling · Lists fragrance, parabens, formaldehyde releasers
Tarte
Sugar Rush - Mini Squeezy Clean Face Wash
Lists fragrance allergens, coconut derivatives
Related guides
How to read an ingredient list
What the ingredient list on a beauty product tells you, what the names mean, and what it leaves out, using FDA and EU labeling rules.
Does ingredient order show how much is in a product?
Ingredient lists run from most to least, but only down to 1%. Below that, any order is allowed. What the order shows and what it hides.
How do you patch test a new product?
What the AAD, FDA and DermNet say about testing a small area, the FDA hair dye skin test, in-office patch tests, and contact allergy basics.