Is Polysorbate 20 Comedogenic?
Comedogenic rating: 0/5 — Non-comedogenic
Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifier that binds the oil and water phases of a formula together. In cosmetics it is typically found in lotions, creams and cleansing products. On a label it may also appear as polysorbate-20.
| Comedogenic rating | 0/5 — Non-comedogenic |
|---|---|
| Pore-clogging | Unlikely |
| Fungal-acne safe | No — potential trigger |
| Category | Emulsifier |
| Also known as | polysorbate-20 |
Is Polysorbate 20 comedogenic?
No — Polysorbate 20 scores 0 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale. It is considered non-comedogenic and will not clog pores for the overwhelming majority of users, which makes it a reliable choice for acne-prone, oily and congestion-prone skin.
Does Polysorbate 20 cause fungal acne?
Separately from pore-clogging, Polysorbate 20 is considered a potential fungal-acne (Malassezia) trigger. Fungal acne — properly called Malassezia folliculitis — appears as small, uniform, sometimes itchy bumps, and is fed by certain oils, fatty acids and esters. This is a different problem from comedogenic clogging, so if you are prone to fungal acne you may want to avoid Polysorbate 20 even when its comedogenic rating is low.
Should you use Polysorbate 20 if you're acne-prone?
Polysorbate 20 is suitable for virtually all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. You can generally use it with confidence in daily skincare. The main caveat is fungal acne, which Polysorbate 20 may still aggravate.
How Polysorbate 20 compares to other emulsifiers
| Ingredient | Rating | Pore-clogging |
|---|---|---|
| Polysorbate 20 | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Polysorbate 80 | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Glyceryl Stearate | 1/5 | Unlikely |
| Glyceryl Stearate SE | 3/5 | Likely |
| Ceteareth-20 | 4/5 | Likely |
| PEG-16 Lanolin | 4/5 | Likely |
| Propylene Glycol Monostearate | 4/5 | Likely |
Frequently asked questions
Is Polysorbate 20 comedogenic?
No — Polysorbate 20 scores 0 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale. It is considered non-comedogenic and will not clog pores for the overwhelming majority of users, which makes it a reliable choice for acne-prone, oily and congestion-prone skin.
Does Polysorbate 20 cause fungal acne?
Separately from pore-clogging, Polysorbate 20 is considered a potential fungal-acne (Malassezia) trigger. Fungal acne — properly called Malassezia folliculitis — appears as small, uniform, sometimes itchy bumps, and is fed by certain oils, fatty acids and esters. This is a different problem from comedogenic clogging, so if you are prone to fungal acne you may want to avoid Polysorbate 20 even when its comedogenic rating is low.
Is Polysorbate 20 safe for acne-prone skin?
Polysorbate 20 is suitable for virtually all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. You can generally use it with confidence in daily skincare. The main caveat is fungal acne, which Polysorbate 20 may still aggravate.
What products is Polysorbate 20 found in?
Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifier that binds the oil and water phases of a formula together, and is commonly found in lotions, creams and cleansing products.
What can I use instead of Polysorbate 20?
Look for non-comedogenic emollients rated 0–1 such as squalane, glycerin, hemp seed oil or sunflower oil.
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