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
Palmer’s
Crema para el busto
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens
L’Oréal
Crème lavante protectrice bain & douche
Lists fragrance, sulfates
SHEGLAM
Crystal Gaze Glitter Mascara
Mascara · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
Herbal Essences
Curl + Define Apricot Sulfate-Free Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
TRESemmé
Curl Conditioning Mousse
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, coconut derivatives
Moroccanoil
Curl Control Mousse
Hair styling · Lists fragrance, coconut derivatives
JVN
Curl Defining Mousse
Hair styling · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, essential oils, coconut derivatives
Camille Rose
Curl Maker
Hair styling · Lists fragrance, coconut derivatives
Whole Foods
Cypress Cedar Scented Deodorant
Lists fragrance
cerave
daily moisturizing cream
Lists parabens, silicones
CeraVe
Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Body lotion · Lists silicones
SHEGLAM
Dark Romantasy Body Mist
Fragrance · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens
SHEGLAM
Dark Romantasy Lip & Cheek Tint-Rich Crimson
Blush · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
Tula
Dark Spot Serum
Serum · Lists exfoliating acid, silicones
First Aid Beauty
Dark Spot Serum with Niacinamide
Serum · Lists silicones
Johnson & Johnson
Deep Clean
Lists parabens, formaldehyde releasers
Medicube
Deep Vita C Capsule Cream
Moisturizer · Lists fragrance, exfoliating acid, silicones
Not Your Mother’s
Defining Spray Gel
Hair styling · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens
Thrive Causemetics
Defying Gravity Lightweight Moisturizer
Moisturizer · Lists exfoliating acid
Thrive Causemetics
Deluxe Defying Gravity Lightweight Hydration Moisturizer
Moisturizer · Lists exfoliating acid
Dae
Desert Detox Clarifying Shampoo
Shampoo · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, essential oils, coconut derivatives
Ouai
Detox Clarifying Hair Shampoo
Shampoo · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, chemical UV filters, coconut derivatives
Dettol
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, salicylic acid
Tree Hut
Dewy Daisy Shea Sugar Scrub
Exfoliant · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, retinoid, essential oils
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