Name

Polysorbate 80

We recommend avoiding

Description

Polysorbate 80 is an emulsifier, surfactant, fragrance ingredient, and skin conditioning agent. Polysorbate, a substance formulated by the reaction of sorbitan fatty acid ester (a nonionic surfactant) with ethylene oxide. It acts as an emulsifier, a solubilizer in many foods, including bread, cake mix, salad dressing, shortening oil and chocolate. Polysorbate 80 is a hydrophilic nonionic surfactant used in many types of cosmetic items.

Benefits

Combines water and oil.

Considerations

• Ethoxylated Chemical Polysorbate 80 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 80 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 80 can disrupt the gut barrier, leading to inflammation and dysbiosis. Dishwashing soaps that leave polysorbate 80 residue may cause gut barrier damage. • Skin Irritation Polysorbate 80 can be a skin irritant. • Degradation Concerns Polysorbate 80 can be unstable and may require antioxidants or preservatives to keep it stable from oxidation. When polysorbate 80 breaks down it releases hydroperoxides, which break down and create free radicals. • Immune Reaction Polysorbate 80 and other polysorbates can cause severe immune reactions.

Synonyms

6OZP39ZG8H Monitan Sorbimacrogol oleate 300 Armotan PMO-20 Atlox 1087 Capmul POE-O Crillet 4 Drewmulse poe-smo Durfax 80 Emsorb 6900 Ethoxylated sorbitan monooleate MO 55F Montanox 80 NCI-C60286 Polyethylene glycol 300 sorbitan monooleate Polyethylene oxide sorbitan mono-oleate Polyoxyethylene (5) sorbitan monooleate Polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate Polyoxyethylene sorbitan oleate Polysorban 80 Protasorb O-20

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17973307/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32171713/ https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/substance/447275859 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21220010/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37530764/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16400901/ https://www.parchem.com/siteimages/attachment/ghs%20polysorbate%2080%20msds.pdf https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(22)01477-4/fulltext

Summary

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