Polysorbate 40
Reviewed by Rosie · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Exfoliants ingredient
At a glance
EWG Safety Score
What Is Polysorbate 40?
Polysorbate 40 is a cosmetic ingredient. It is grouped in the Exfoliants category on this site.
There is limited independent published research on its topical use, so this entry describes what the ingredient is rather than making specific performance claims.
How widely it's used
Regulatory information
Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.
Show identifiers
- INCI Name
- POLYSORBATE 40
- Function
- Emulsifying, Surfactant
From the Clinic
Not sure what your skin actually needs?
Two minutes, a few questions, and we’ll point you at what matters — no guesswork.
Take the skin quizPart of a family
Polysorbate 40 is a variant of PEG-80 Sorbitan Palmitate, the form you will most often see on an ingredients list.
A gentle emulsifier that helps bind water and oil in skincare formulations
Related Ingredients
PEG-80 Sorbitan Palmitate
A gentle emulsifier that helps bind water and oil in skincare formulations
Acrylates Crosspolymer-4
A synthetic polymer that stabilises formulations and helps create smooth, consistent textures
Alcaligenes Polysaccharides
A bacterial polysaccharide that conditions skin and stabilises formulations
Almond Oil Glycereth-8 Esters
A plant-derived emollient that softens skin and stabilises formulations
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
A synthetic polymer that stabilises emulsions and adjusts texture in skincare formulations
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
A synthetic polymer that stabilises emulsions and helps maintain product texture
Learn More About Skincare Ingredients
Explore our comprehensive ingredient glossary to understand what's in your products.
Browse All IngredientsShop Our Products
Find professional skincare solutions at Skintique.