Polysorbate 20
Polysorbate 20
Also known as: Tween 20 · Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurate
EmulsifierSolubiliser
“A gentle emulsifier that helps oil-based ingredients blend into water formulas.”
What it does
Polysorbate 20 is a mild, water-soluble emulsifier and solubiliser derived from sorbitol and lauric acid. It is commonly used to incorporate essential oils and oil-soluble fragrances into water-based formulations. It is well-tolerated, non-irritating, and also used as a cleansing agent in very mild surfactant systems.
Benefits
- Enables oil-soluble actives to dissolve in water-based products
- Mild and non-irritating emulsifier
- Improves the spreadability and texture of formulations
How to layer
☀️ Morning routine
Cleanser
Toner
Serum
Moisturiser
SPF
🌙 Evening routine
Cleanser
Toner
Serum
Moisturiser
Face Oil
After cleansing, before moisturiser
Good for
All skin
How to use
A background formulation ingredient. No special application needed.
Typical concentration: 0.1–3% as solubiliser in formulations