• Stable and non-irritating emulsifier
• Solubilizes essential oils, fragrances, and actives
• Ideal for creams, lotions, masks, and scrubs
• Improves texture, stability, and feel of emulsions
• Non-comedogenic and safe for all skin types

Polysorbate 60 is a non-ionic surfactant derived from sorbitol and stearic acid, commonly used in skincare and personal care products. It functions as a primary emulsifier in oil-in-water systems, especially in creams, lotions, and masks. It also serves as a solubilizer, allowing oil-soluble ingredients like essential oils and fragrances to blend into water-based products. It improves product texture, ensures long-term stability, and reduces the greasy feel of oil-containing formulas. Ideal for beginners and advanced formulators alike.

INCI Name: Polysorbate 60

CAS Number: 9005-67-8

Solubility: Water-dispersible, soluble in alcohol

Add Phase: Heated oil or water phase

pH Stability: 4.0 – 7.5

Processing Temperature: 60–75°C

Appearance: Creamy white to pale yellow waxy solid or beads

Odor: Slight fatty odor

Molecular Weight: ~1,300 g/mol

Flash Point: > 200°C

Density: ~1.1 g/cm³

• Usage Rate: 1% – 10%
• Add to heated water or oil phase depending on formulation
• Ideal for: Creams, lotions, scrubs, masks, and emulsified serums

🌀 For rich, stable creams, combine Polysorbate 60 with Cetyl Alcohol and Stearic Acid for luxurious texture and long-term stability — even without fancy equipment.

✔️ Safe for all skin types, including dry, oily, and combination skin

✔️ Non-comedogenic and non-irritating in recommended concentrations

1. Moisturizing Day Cream

Use Polysorbate 60 as the primary emulsifier with shea butter and panthenol. Creates a light, creamy texture ideal for daily hydration.

2. Cream Cleanser

Formulate a non-foaming, nourishing cleanser using Polysorbate 60, jojoba oil, and glycerin. Gently removes makeup without drying the skin.

3. Hydrating Face Mask

Blend it into a cream-based face mask with aloe vera gel and cucumber extract for improved spreadability and absorption.

4. Body Scrub Emulsion

Use it to emulsify oil and sugar/salt in body scrubs so they rinse off clean, leaving no greasy residue behind.

5. Fragrance Mist Base

Create a base with Polysorbate 60 to disperse essential oils or fragrance oils into water-based sprays.

Performance score based on emulsification ability, stability, and product type compatibility.

Serums
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Limited use in emulsified or oil-containing serums.



Creams & Lotions
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Provides creamy texture and stable emulsification.



Toners
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Used for solubilizing fragrance oils in water-based mists.



Face Masks
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Useful in emulsified cream or gel mask bases.



Cleansers
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Ideal in cream or lotion-based cleansers.



Hair Masks
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Enhances emulsification and rinseability in rich masks.



Deodorants
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Can support emulsion stability in cream deodorants.



Eye Creams
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Gentle enough for use in emulsified under-eye products.



Shampoos
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Limited use in scalp cream rinses or oil-based shampoo pre-treatments.



Soaps
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not used in cold/hot process soaps.



Conditioners
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Can enhance emulsion in thick, rinse-off conditioners.



Lip Balms
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not suitable for anhydrous balm systems.



Body Butters
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Works in emulsified body butters but not in oil-only bases.

Q1: Can Polysorbate 60 be used as the only emulsifier?

A1: Yes, in many lotion and cream formulas it works well on its own, but pairing with a co-emulsifier like cetyl alcohol can improve stability and feel.

Q2: Is it natural or synthetic?

A2: Polysorbate 60 is semi-synthetic, derived from natural sorbitol and fatty acids, processed for stability and performance.

Q3: Is it safe for sensitive skin?

A3: Yes, it’s non-irritating and suitable for all skin types when used at recommended levels.

Q4: Can it solubilize essential oils in water?

A4: It has limited solubilizing power compared to Polysorbate 20 or 80, but can work in light fragrance sprays.

Q5: Does it affect pH?

A5: No, it is pH-stable and does not alter the pH of your product.