Products with Polysorbate 20

Polysorbate 20 is a mild solubiliser that lets oils, fragrances and oil-loving actives dissolve cleanly into a water-based formula.

Shop Bundles

You've viewed 11 of 33 results

Load more

Getting oil to disappear into water

Some ingredients simply refuse to mix. Polysorbate 20 surrounds those oily droplets and disperses them so finely that the result looks and feels like a clear liquid, no shaking required. That makes it essential in toners, essences and thin serums where a cloudy or separated product would read as spoiled.

Retinol formulas use it often, since retinol itself is oil-soluble: see Revision Skincare Retinol Complete 1.0 and Retinol Complete 0.5. It also turns up in HA HydraSerum+, SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye and SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream.

Is polysorbate 20 a harsh surfactant?

No. It is a non-ionic surfactant, the gentlest class, and it is used here as a solubiliser rather than a cleansing agent. It does not strip the skin the way sulfate detergents can.

How to shop at ELLEMES

As an authorized retailer, we can tell you how a given retinol strength tends to behave and help you start at the right one.

Browse more

Featured Products with Polysorbate 20 Reviews

Revision Skincare DEJ Night Cream
Revision Skincare DEJ Night Cream
4.8 (124 reviews) 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 124 reviews
$80.00
Shop Now
Featured review

“Absolutely love DEJ Night Cream. My skin feels so hydrated and smooth the next morning. I have not found a Revision product I didn't love...or feel was worth the price. They are expensive, but the stuff...”

— Scott S.
Read all Revision Skincare DEJ Night Cream reviews →
Revision Skincare Soothing Facial Rinse
Revision Skincare Soothing Facial Rinse
4.7 (49 reviews) 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 49 reviews
$47.00
Shop Now
Featured review

“I bought the cleanser and the toner and this duo together works wonders on my skin. It feels so hydrated and clean. I have sensitive skin and I did not get any reactions. I would definitely...”

— Aly R.
Read all Revision Skincare Soothing Facial Rinse reviews →
Revision Skincare Retinol Complete 1.0
Revision Skincare Retinol Complete 1.0
4.4 (47 reviews) 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 47 reviews
$138.00
Shop Now
Featured review

“Healthier feeling skin”

— Customer
Read all Revision Skincare Retinol Complete 1.0 reviews →