Ingredient · dataset v56
Polysorbate 20 and fungal acne
May trigger · Moderate evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
Lab work shows Malassezia yeast assimilating the laurate tail off this emulsifier.
Tween 20 on older labels.
Evidence strength
Moderate evidence (2/3)
Function
Polysorbate
Polysorbates: emulsifiers firmly in the edible fatty range.
Also listed as
Tween 20, Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monolaurate, PEG-20 Sorbitan Monolaurate
Products without this ingredient
- Noble Formula 2% Pyrithione Zinc Shampoo 8 fl oz
- CoTZ Face Prime & Protect Tinted SPF40 1.5 oz
- Skin1004 Centella Toning Toner 210 ml
- PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash (Benzoyl Peroxide 4%)
- Tower 28 SOS Rescue + Relief Body Wash Treatment 8.4 oz
- Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser
Related polysorbate
- Polysorbate 60 — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Polysorbate 61 — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Polysorbate 80 — May trigger · Moderate evidence
Sources
- Brunke & Hube 2006 — MfLIP1 extracellular lipase hydrolyses Tweens (Microbiology)
- EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does Polysorbate 20 trigger fungal acne?
We flag it as a potential trigger (moderate evidence). That means it belongs to a class the Malassezia yeast is known to feed on — not that every product with it will cause a flare. Concentration, formulation and individual skin chemistry matter.
Does Polysorbate 20 feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag Polysorbate 20 as a potential trigger (moderate evidence). It belongs to a class Malassezia is known to feed on — not a claim that every product with it causes a flare. Concentration, formulation and individual skin chemistry matter.
How confident is this call?
Moderate evidence: Lab work shows this yeast assimilating the laurate tail off this emulsifier.
Is this medical advice?
No. We screen ingredient lists; we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. When in doubt, ask a dermatologist.
Check a full list containing Polysorbate 20 →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.