What Is Peg-20 Sorbitan Cocoate?
Peg-20 Sorbitan Cocoate is a plant based ingredient that belongs to the polysorbate family of surfactants. It starts with sorbitol, a sugar alcohol usually taken from corn syrup. Sorbitol is first dehydrated into sorbitan, then reacted with fatty acids that come from coconut oil to form an ester, and finally treated with about 20 units of ethylene oxide. The result is a water loving oil loving molecule that can sit comfortably in both phases of a cosmetic formula.
The polysorbates were introduced to personal care labs in the 1950s when chemists looked for milder alternatives to soap in facial and body cleansers. Because Peg-20 Sorbitan Cocoate was gentle, easy to work with and made from renewable raw materials, it quickly found a place in mass market and professional skin care alike.
Manufacturing takes place in three main steps: hydrolysis of coconut oil to obtain pure fatty acids, esterification of these acids with sorbitan, then controlled ethoxylation. Each step is tightly monitored for quality and purity, ensuring the finished ingredient meets cosmetic safety standards worldwide.
You can spot Peg-20 Sorbitan Cocoate in a wide range of leave-on and rinse-off products such as facial cleansers, micellar waters, baby shampoos, body washes, makeup removers, moisturizers, wet wipes and lightweight lotions where a silky, non greasy feel is desired.
Peg-20 Sorbitan Cocoate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In beauty formulas Peg-20 Sorbitan Cocoate pulls double duty, making it a favorite among product developers.
- Cleansing: Acts as a mild surfactant that lifts away dirt, excess oil and makeup without stripping the skin of its natural moisture
- Emulsifying: Works as a bridge between water and oil so creams, lotions and washes stay mixed, feel smooth and deliver active ingredients evenly from the first pump to the last
Who Can Use Peg-20 Sorbitan Cocoate
This gentle surfactant is generally considered safe for all skin types, including dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin, because it cleanses without harsh stripping and helps formulas stay balanced. The only group that may need caution is anyone with a known allergy to coconut-derived ingredients, as the fatty acids come from coconut oil.
Because Peg-20 Sorbitan Cocoate is manufactured from plant sources—corn-based sorbitol and coconut oil—it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians, provided the finished product does not include other animal-derived additives.
No data suggest the ingredient poses a special risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used topically in cosmetics. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any new product to a qualified healthcare professional before use.
Peg-20 Sorbitan Cocoate is not known to increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also plays well with most common skincare actives, making it a versatile choice in multi-step routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical application of Peg-20 Sorbitan Cocoate vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential reactions, but they are uncommon when the ingredient is used at standard cosmetic levels and when the product is properly formulated.
- Mild skin irritation
- Tingling or temporary redness on very sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to coconut-derived ingredients
- Eye stinging if a high-foaming cleanser gets into the eyes
If you notice any of these reactions discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Peg-20 Sorbitan Cocoate is mostly water soluble and used at low levels, so it rinses away easily without leaving a greasy film that could clog pores. Its main role is to help oils disperse in water rather than sit on the skin which further lowers the chance of buildup. For these reasons, it earns a low comedogenic score of 1.
That makes it generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
The only caveat is that it can appear in formulas alongside richer plant oils or butters. If you are highly clog-prone, consider the full ingredient list of the finished product rather than judging by this ingredient alone.
Summary
Peg-20 Sorbitan Cocoate cleanses and emulsifies. Its structure has a water loving side and an oil loving side, so it can lift dirt and makeup while keeping water and oil phases blended in a stable, silky formula.
Because it is mild, plant derived and easy to work with it shows up in everything from drugstore face washes to professional spa cleansers though it is not as famous as ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid.
Safety reviews rate it as low risk for irritation except in rare allergy cases. Still, everyone’s skin is unique, so do a quick patch test when trying any new product that contains Peg-20 Sorbitan Cocoate just to be safe.