Ingredient · dataset v56
Polysorbate 61 and fungal acne
May trigger · Moderate evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
Carries a stearate tail Malassezia yeast is proven to strip off and consume, like the ruled Polysorbate 60.
Explicit row.
Evidence strength
Moderate evidence (2/3)
Function
Polysorbate
Polysorbates: emulsifiers firmly in the edible fatty range.
Also listed as
Tween 61
Products without this ingredient
- Selsun Blue Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (Selenium Sulfide 1%)
- Makari Glycolic + Lactic Acid + Niacinamide Body Wash 15 oz
- Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser Fragrance-Free 16 oz
- Acure Dry Shampoo, Non Aerosol, Clean, 100% Vegan 1.7 oz Travel Size
- NYX Professional Makeup Studio Finishing Powder Translucent
- Trace Minerals Bentonite Clay Detox Powder 16 oz
Related polysorbate
- Polysorbate 20 — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Polysorbate 60 — 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 61 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 61 feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag Polysorbate 61 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: Carries a stearate tail this yeast is proven to strip off and consume, like the ruled Polysorbate 60.
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 61 →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.