Name

Polysorbate 20

We recommend avoiding

Description

Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifier, surfactant, fragrance ingredient, and skin conditioning agent. Polysorbate 20 is a polymer composed of PEG-ylated sorbitan, where the total number of poly(ethylene glycol) units is 20 (w + x + y + z = 20) and a single terminal is capped by a dodecanoyl group. It has a role as a nonionic surfactant.

Benefits

Combines water and oil.

Considerations

• Ethoxylated Chemical Polysorbate 20 is an ethoxylated chemical, meaning it’s been created with ethylene oxide, traces of which, along with its carcinogenic byproduct, 1,4-dioxane, can remain in the product. • May Interfere with Medications Polysorbate 20 may inhibit potential cytochrome P450 enzymes. These enzymes are responsible for breaking down many substances, including drugs, in the body. Inhibiting these enzymes may affect how medications are metabolized in your body, leading to potentially harmful effects. • Disrupts the Gut When ingested, polysorbate 20 can disrupt the gut barrier, leading to inflammation and dysbiosis. Dishwashing soaps that leave polysorbate 20 residue may cause gut barrier damage. • Skin Irritation Polysorbate 20 can be a skin irritant. • Degradation Concerns Polysorbate 20 can be unstable and may require antioxidants or preservatives to keep it stable from oxidation. When polysorbate 20 breaks down it releases hydroperoxides, which break down and create free radicals. • Immune Reaction Polysorbate 20 and other polysorbates can cause severe immune reactions.

Synonyms

Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate 7T1F30V5YH Polyethylene glycol (44) sorbitan monolaurate Polyethylene glycol (80) sorbitan monolaurate Polyethylene glycol 4000 sorbitan monolaurate Polyethylene glycol 500 sorbitan monolaurate Polyoxyethylene (10) sorbitan monolaurate Polyoxyethylene (44) sorbitan monolaurate Polyoxyethylene (75) sorbitan monolaurate Polyoxyethylene (80) sorbitan monolaurate Polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monolaurate FEMA No. 2915 POE 20 Sorbitan monolaurate PSML Polyethylene glycol 2000 Sorbitan Laurate Polyoxyethylene (4) sorbitan monolaurate Sorbimacrogol laurate 300 Sorbitan monolaurate, ethoxylated 20s, Polysorbate Armotan pml-20 CCRIS 699

Research Sources

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Polysorbate%2020 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19041719/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37530764/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36464527/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30758866/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32171713/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17973307/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/hydroperoxide#:~:text=Hydroperoxides%20are%20unstable%20intermediates%20of,either%20nonradical%20or%20radical%20mechanisms. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16400901/

Summary

Ethoxylated chemical can be contaminated with carcinogenic ethylene oxide and/or 1,4-dioxane.