Polysorbate 65: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: July 1, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Polysorbate 65?

Polysorbate 65 is a soft yellow liquid or waxy solid made by joining sorbitol, stearic acid from vegetable oils and ethylene oxide. Chemists call it a non-ionic surfactant, which means it mixes oil and water without carrying an electrical charge. It first appeared in food products in the 1950s to keep sauces and ice cream smooth, then quickly found a place in skin care when formulators noticed its gentle cleansing power and ability to create stable creams.

To make Polysorbate 65, manufacturers start with sorbitol derived from corn syrup. They react it with stearic acid sourced from coconut or palm oil to create sorbitan stearate, then add controlled amounts of ethylene oxide. The number 65 tells chemists how many units of ethylene oxide are attached, which sets the balance between its oil-loving and water-loving parts.

You will spot Polysorbate 65 in rich moisturizers, night creams, cleansing balms, sheet mask essences, hair conditioners and even some color cosmetics like liquid foundations. Brands like it because it keeps thick formulas from separating and leaves skin feeling soft not greasy.

Polysorbate 65’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient offers two main benefits in beauty products

  • Cleansing: Its surfactant nature lifts away daily grime excess oil and makeup while staying mild enough for sensitive skin
  • Emulsifying: It binds oil and water into a uniform cream or lotion improving texture preventing separation and helping active ingredients spread evenly across the skin

Who Can Use Polysorbate 65

Polysorbate 65 is considered friendly for most skin types including dry normal combination and oily skin because it cleans without stripping and keeps creams stable. Those with very reactive or allergy-prone skin should still read ingredient lists carefully since any surfactant can be a trigger in rare cases.

The ingredient is made from plant-derived sorbitol and fatty acids so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans as long as the finished product does not include animal-based additives.

Current research shows no known risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when Polysorbate 65 is used on the skin in normal cosmetic amounts. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should share their skincare routine with a doctor just to be safe.

Polysorbate 65 does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and it does not alter the way sunscreens work.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Polysorbate 65 differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects that could occur yet most users will not notice any problems when the ingredient is used at the levels found in well-formulated products.

  • Mild skin irritation such as redness or stinging
  • Contact dermatitis in people allergic to sorbitan or fatty acid derivatives
  • Eye irritation if the product accidentally enters the eyes
  • Rare acne-like bumps in users extremely prone to clogging ingredients

If any discomfort swelling or persistent redness appears stop using the product and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 / 5

Polysorbate 65 sits low on the comedogenic scale because its molecule is large highly water soluble and designed to rinse away rather than linger in pores. While it contains fatty acid chains those chains are balanced by a strong hydrophilic portion that prevents the greasy film associated with clogging. Most research and anecdotal reports show little to no pore blockage when it is used at the typical 0.5 – 5 % found in creams cleansers and serums.

Suitable for acne-prone skin: Yes users who break out easily generally tolerate it well though rare sensitivities can still occur.

In formulas with heavy oils or waxes Polysorbate 65 can actually improve rinse-off helping other potentially clogging ingredients wash away more cleanly.

Summary

Polysorbate 65 is mainly a cleanser and emulsifier. Its surfactant head grabs water while its fatty tail grabs oil letting it whisk away dirt and makeup and hold oil-and-water mixes together so creams stay smooth and stable.

It is not the flashiest ingredient on shelves yet formulators reach for it often because it quietly keeps rich products from separating feels gentle on skin and plays nicely with actives and fragrances.

Safety data and decades of use point to a low risk profile for most people. Still everyone’s skin is different so do a quick patch test when trying a new product that lists Polysorbate 65 just to be sure it suits you.

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