At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about polysorbate 60. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Polysorbate 60 is a non-ionic emulsifier and solubilizer made from sorbitan stearate (a sugar-alcohol fatty ester) and about 20 units of ethylene oxide. In ORY® products, it helps oil and water blend and disperses essential oils into water-based products. |
Verification: Supported. The CIR Expert Panel concluded in its 2015 amended report that polysorbates are safe as used in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2015). Amended safety assessment of polysorbates as used in cosmetics (final amended report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/polysorbates_0.pdf
- What it shows: CIR amended safety assessment of polysorbates.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2015). Amended safety assessment of polysorbates as used in cosmetics (final amended report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/polysorbates_0.pdf
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Polysorbate 60 is made by ethoxylating sorbitan monostearate. It is the water-loving half of Emulsifying Wax NF and a common partner for glyceryl stearate. |
Verification: Supported. Ethoxylation can leave trace 1,4-dioxane. New York State limits 1,4-dioxane to 10 ppm in cosmetics and 1 ppm in personal-care cleansing products.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2015). Amended safety assessment of polysorbates as used in cosmetics (final amended report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/polysorbates_0.pdf
- What it shows: Describes chemistry.
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 1,4-Dioxane limits for household cleansing, personal care, and cosmetic products (Environmental Conservation Law §35-0105): 10 ppm in cosmetics; 1 ppm in personal care cleansing products. https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/help-for-businesses/household-personal-cosmetic-dioxane-limits
- What it shows: New York 1,4-dioxane limits.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2015). Amended safety assessment of polysorbates as used in cosmetics (final amended report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/polysorbates_0.pdf
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Polysorbate 60 suits all skin types at normal use levels. |
Verification: Supported. CIR’s conclusion depends on formulating to avoid irritation.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2015). Amended safety assessment of polysorbates as used in cosmetics (final amended report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/polysorbates_0.pdf
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2015). Amended safety assessment of polysorbates as used in cosmetics (final amended report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/polysorbates_0.pdf
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, polysorbate 60 disperses oils in scalp toners and sprays and helps stabilize hair creams. |
Verification: Supported. This is a formulation role; ORY® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2015). Amended safety assessment of polysorbates as used in cosmetics (final amended report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/polysorbates_0.pdf
- What it shows: Reported hair-care uses.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2015). Amended safety assessment of polysorbates as used in cosmetics (final amended report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/polysorbates_0.pdf
5. Benefits
Claim: Polysorbate 60 stabilizes creams and keeps oils evenly dispersed in toners, mists, bath products, and liquid soaps. |
Verification: Supported. These are functional benefits for the product.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2015). Amended safety assessment of polysorbates as used in cosmetics (final amended report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/polysorbates_0.pdf
- What it shows: Describes functions.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2015). Amended safety assessment of polysorbates as used in cosmetics (final amended report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/polysorbates_0.pdf
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Polysorbate 60 is used in ORY® Skincare, Haircare, and Cosmetics, and in liquid and bath products. |
Verification: Supported. Use levels fall within the ranges CIR reviewed.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 1–4% as emulsifier; more as a solubilizer | Creams, toners, mists, gels, and bath products. |
| Haircare | 0.5–3% | Scalp toners, refresh sprays, and hair creams. |
| Handmade Soap line | 1–5% | Liquid soap, bath products, and syndet bars (not cold-process soap). |
| Cosmetics | 0.5–3% | Foundations, micellar waters, and setting sprays. |
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2015). Amended safety assessment of polysorbates as used in cosmetics (final amended report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/polysorbates_0.pdf
- What it shows: Reported uses.
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 1,4-Dioxane limits for household cleansing, personal care, and cosmetic products (Environmental Conservation Law §35-0105): 10 ppm in cosmetics; 1 ppm in personal care cleansing products. https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/help-for-businesses/household-personal-cosmetic-dioxane-limits
- What it shows: 1,4-Dioxane limits.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
- What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2015). Amended safety assessment of polysorbates as used in cosmetics (final amended report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/polysorbates_0.pdf
7. Pros
Claim: A dependable emulsifier and solubilizer backed by CIR review. |
Verification: Supported. Decades of cosmetic use.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2015). Amended safety assessment of polysorbates as used in cosmetics (final amended report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/polysorbates_0.pdf
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2015). Amended safety assessment of polysorbates as used in cosmetics (final amended report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/polysorbates_0.pdf
8. Cons
Claim: Polysorbate 60 is ethoxylated and can feel tacky at high levels. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Ethoxylated (PEG-type). Excluded from COSMOS/Ecocert natural standards.
- 1,4-Dioxane. Ethoxylation can leave trace 1,4-dioxane; ORY® requires low-residue grades that meet New York’s limits.
- Tackiness. At high solubilizer levels.
- Color and odor. Slight yellow color and fatty odor.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2015). Amended safety assessment of polysorbates as used in cosmetics (final amended report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/polysorbates_0.pdf
- What it shows: Chemistry.
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 1,4-Dioxane limits for household cleansing, personal care, and cosmetic products (Environmental Conservation Law §35-0105): 10 ppm in cosmetics; 1 ppm in personal care cleansing products. https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/help-for-businesses/household-personal-cosmetic-dioxane-limits
- What it shows: Limits.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2015). Amended safety assessment of polysorbates as used in cosmetics (final amended report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/polysorbates_0.pdf
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2015). Amended safety assessment of polysorbates as used in cosmetics (final amended report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/polysorbates_0.pdf
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2015). Amended safety assessment of polysorbates as used in cosmetics (final amended report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/polysorbates_0.pdf
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss.
- ORY® Handmade Soap line: This ingredient is not used in cold-process soap. Syndet, lotion, shampoo, and conditioner bars that contain it are cosmetics under FDA rules, not soap, and list all of their ingredients. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2015). Amended safety assessment of polysorbates as used in cosmetics (final amended report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/polysorbates_0.pdf
Government and regulatory sources
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 1,4-Dioxane limits for household cleansing, personal care, and cosmetic products (Environmental Conservation Law §35-0105): 10 ppm in cosmetics; 1 ppm in personal care cleansing products. https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/help-for-businesses/household-personal-cosmetic-dioxane-limits
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
