What Is Polysorbate 61?
Polysorbate 61 is a liquid ingredient made from sorbitol, a sugar alcohol often sourced from corn or fruits, that is first turned into sorbitan, joined with stearic acid from vegetable oils, then reacted with small units of ethylene oxide. The result is a clear to amber fluid that mixes well with both water and oils.
Polysorbates were first used in the 1940s as food and drug emulsifiers thanks to their ability to keep oil and water blended. Their gentle nature quickly caught the eye of cosmetic chemists who needed reliable stabilizers for creams and lotions. Today Polysorbate 61 helps formulators create smooth products without extra fragrance or color on its own.
The ingredient shows up in a wide range of items such as facial masks, moisturizers, cleansing balms, makeup removers, hair conditioners, sunscreens, body lotions and many leave-on or rinse-off gels and creams.
Polysorbate 61’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasker offers two key roles in beauty formulas
- Cleansing – Helps lift away dirt, oil and makeup when rinsed with water which improves the overall cleaning power of face washes, shampoos and makeup removers
- Emulsifying – Keeps water and oil evenly blended so creams stay smooth, do not separate in the bottle and feel pleasant when applied to skin or hair
Who Can Use Polysorbate 61
Polysorbate 61 is considered gentle enough for all skin types. Oily and combination complexions appreciate that it is non greasy and rinses clean while dry or mature skin benefits from the smooth feel it gives creams. Even sensitive skin usually tolerates it well because it has a low risk of irritation when properly formulated.
The ingredient is produced from plant derived sorbitol and vegetable oils so it is normally suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Anyone following a strict lifestyle should still confirm the source with the brand in case animal by products were used in processing.
There are no known special warnings for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Current safety assessments class it as low risk for topical use but this is not medical advice. Expecting or nursing parents should show any intended skincare product to their healthcare provider just to be safe.
Polysorbate 61 does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can be worn during the day without increasing the chance of sunburn.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any cosmetic ingredient can differ between individuals. The issues listed below are potential reactions only and most users will not experience them when the product has been formulated and used correctly.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or stinging in very sensitive users
- Contact dermatitis in people with an allergy to sorbitan or related compounds
- Temporary eye irritation if a formula containing Polysorbate 61 gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic response marked by itching or swelling
If you notice any of these problems stop using the product and consult a medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Comedogenic rating: 1 / 5. Polysorbate 61 is highly water soluble and used in small amounts so it seldom lingers on skin long enough to clog pores. Its job is to keep oils dispersed rather than leave a heavy film which keeps the risk of breakouts low.
This makes it generally suitable for acne-prone skin.
Because it helps rinse stubborn oils off the face it can even support a clearer complexion but remember overall formula choice still matters when avoiding pore-clogging products.
Summary
Polysorbate 61 works as a cleanser and emulsifier. It binds to oil and dirt while mixing easily with water so washes lift grime away then it keeps oil and water blended in creams lotions and makeup removers so textures stay smooth and stable.
It is not as well known as popular relatives like Polysorbate 20 or 80 yet formulators value its ability to tweak feel and rinseability in targeted skincare and haircare products.
Safety reviews place it in the low-risk category for irritation or pore clogging at normal cosmetic levels. Even so skin can be unpredictable so always patch test any new product containing Polysorbate 61 before full use.