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.
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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.
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Featured Products with Polysorbate 20 Reviews
“Best Ha serum! Great for sensitive skin! Plumb the skin!”
“This is my first time using retinol, and so far I'm enjoying it. It hasn't caused me any redness or irritation, but it is giving me a mild case of retinol uglies (breakouts). I'm not concerned...”
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