Authority source
Safety basis: FDA
FDA
Polysorbate 80
Tween 80P80
Emulsifier
Polysorbate 80 is a helper ingredient that makes it easier to mix oil and water together. It's often used in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals to improve texture and stability.
What it is
Polysorbate 80 is a synthetic emulsifier derived from sorbitol and oleic acid, used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water.
Found in
sunscreens, moisturizers, lip balms, pharmaceuticals, food products
The concern
No significant concerns identified
Legal status
Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in foods and cosmetics, compliant with FDA and EU regulations.
Low Concern
Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in foods and cosmetics.
Evidence & sources
Article / explainer
Article / explainer
No highly relevant article explainer found yet.
Community questions
Community questions
Community discussions are not used as safety evidence and no highly relevant discussion is shown for this ingredient.
Related ingredient guides
Compare this ingredient with related ingredients and common alternatives.
Dimethicone
Another emulsifier in the reviewed ingredient set.
Magnesium Stearate
Another emulsifier in the reviewed ingredient set.
Retinyl Palmitate
Another emulsifier in the reviewed ingredient set.
Sodium Hydroxide
Another formula helper often checked in the same ingredient labels.
Triethanolamine
Another formula helper often checked in the same ingredient labels.
Peg 100 Stearate
Another formula helper often checked in the same ingredient labels.
Last updated: June 16, 2026