What Is Peg-80 Sorbitan Laurate?
Peg-80 Sorbitan Laurate is a synthetic surfactant made by combining sorbitan laurate with about eighty units of ethylene oxide. Sorbitan comes from sorbitol, a sugar alcohol usually sourced from corn or other fruits, while lauric acid is a fatty acid most often taken from coconut or palm kernel oil. First developed in the mid twentieth century when chemists were looking for milder cleansers, the ingredient became popular for its ability to mix oil and water without irritating skin.
Manufacturing starts with esterifying sorbitol to create sorbitan laurate. This ester then goes through ethoxylation, a reaction that attaches repeated units of ethylene oxide to raise water solubility. The controlled number of added units results in the “80” in the name and gives the material its gentle yet effective cleansing power.
Thanks to its balanced oil loving and water loving parts, Peg-80 Sorbitan Laurate shows up in many rinse-off and leave-on products. You can spot it in facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, baby soaps, micellar waters, makeup removers, sheet masks and even some lightweight moisturizers where a little cleansing boost helps keep formulas fresh and clear.
Peg-80 Sorbitan Laurate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Here is what this ingredient brings to a formula:
Cleansing: Peg-80 Sorbitan Laurate lowers the surface tension of water so it can lift away dirt oil and leftover makeup. It creates a soft, stable foam that rinses clean without leaving a heavy film which makes skin and hair feel fresh and comfortable.
Who Can Use Peg-80 Sorbitan Laurate
Peg-80 Sorbitan Laurate is mild enough for most skin types. Oily and combination skin benefit from its ability to sweep away excess sebum while dry or mature skin appreciate its gentle nature that cleans without stripping. Even sensitive skin often tolerates it well because it has a low irritation profile though anyone with a history of fragrance or surfactant sensitivity should stay alert for redness or stinging.
The ingredient is typically plant based since sorbitol comes from corn or fruit and lauric acid is usually sourced from coconut or palm oil. No animal-derived matter is involved so formulas made with it are generally suitable for vegans and vegetarians unless other animal ingredients are included.
Current safety data show no known risks for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used in rinse-off or leave-on personal care products. This is not medical advice and those who are pregnant or nursing should show any product they plan to use to a doctor to be extra safe.
Peg-80 Sorbitan Laurate does not make skin more sensitive to the sun and it has no special storage or timing rules. It has even been used in baby cleansers which speaks to its softness.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to any skincare ingredient can differ from one person to another. The points below list potential issues but most people will not notice any trouble when the product has been made and used as directed.
- Temporary dryness or tightness, especially if the formula is left on the skin too long
- Mild redness or stinging in very sensitive or compromised skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases for those already sensitised to similar surfactants
- Eye irritation if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Occasional build-up or dullness in hair if used in a heavily loaded formula and not rinsed well
If you notice any of these effects stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Peg-80 Sorbitan Laurate is highly water soluble and designed to rinse away completely, leaving little residue that could clog pores. Its ethoxylated structure reduces the fatty character of lauric acid, which is the portion typically linked with congestion, so the finished ingredient remains very low on the comedogenic scale.
Suitable for acne-prone and breakout-prone skin because it cleanses without leaving pore-blocking films.
As with most surfactants, the final formula matters: very rich cleansers packed with heavy oils or butters may still trigger breakouts even if this specific surfactant scores low.
Summary
Peg-80 Sorbitan Laurate is a mild synthetic surfactant that lifts away dirt oil and makeup by lowering water’s surface tension then rinses clean for a fresh finish. Its popularity sits in the middle of the pack: common enough in face washes shampoos and micellar waters yet not a headline ingredient that brands spotlight on the front label.
Current research and decades of safe use show it poses minimal risk of irritation or sensitisation for most users. Still every skin is unique so it is smart to perform a small patch test when trying any new product that contains it.