emulsifier trigger

Polysorbate 60

Evidenceemerging · Tier 3Irritation riskLowIn products854

Ethoxylated sorbitan monostearate. Fatty acid ester bond is cleaved by Malassezia lipase, releasing stearic acid that feeds yeast growth. Problematic for seborrheic dermatitis-prone skin.

The research

Polysorbate 60 is a emulsifier trigger backed by early but promising evidence (evidence tier 3 of 4). We track 3 studies for it, 3 reporting a positive effect.

Read the research — 3 studies

Journal of Clinical and Investigative Dermatology · 2015 · review

Comprehensive review of seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff: Malassezia lipase activity on sebum releases irritating free fatty acids (e.g., oleic acid), and host susceptibility drives the inflammatory response; reducing Malassezia and its lipid substrates is therapeutic. Does not specifically identify polysorbate 60 as a Malassezia-feeding emulsifier.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology · 2004 · review

Review of Malassezia's role in seborrheic dermatitis: commensal Malassezia yeasts (notably M. globosa and M. restricta) and the host inflammatory/immune response to them are implicated in pathogenesis, and antifungal therapy is effective. Establishes the Malassezia link but does not specifically address polysorbate 60 as a yeast substrate.

Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings · 2005 · review

Review: Malassezia metabolizes sebaceous lipids via lipases, liberating free fatty acids (notably oleic acid) that penetrate the stratum corneum and trigger the inflammation and scaling of seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff in susceptible individuals. Establishes the lipid-metabolism mechanism; does not specifically test polysorbate 60 hydrolysis.

Products with Polysorbate 60

In 854 products — most often moisturizers (318), serums (262), sunscreens (97), from $2.51 to $1786.24. Set up a profile to rank these for your skin. Click any product to learn more.

10 of 24
Neutrogena

Neutrogena

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Invisible Cream Sunscreen Hydration SPF50

Sunscreen

$21.32

★★★★★4.8(791)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • StrongRedness & sensitivity
  • RelevantDark spots & hyperpigmentation
  • RelevantUneven tone & radiance

Not recommended for

Seborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosacea

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Invisible Cream Sunscreen Hydration SPF50 is a sunscreen by Neutrogena. Key ingredients include Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, DHHB.

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DHC

DHC

Extra Nighttime Moisture Facial Moisturizer

Moisturizer

$39.0044.4ml · $0.88/ml

★★★★★4.8(1,637)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • RelevantFine lines & wrinkles
  • RelevantRedness & sensitivity

Not recommended for

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Extra Nighttime Moisture Facial Moisturizer is a antioxidant serum by DHC. Key ingredients include Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Glycerin.

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Kate Somerville

Kate Somerville

DeliKate Recovery Cream - 1.7 oz

Moisturizer

$84.0050.3ml · $1.67/ml

★★★★★4.8(730)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • StrongFine lines & wrinkles

Not recommended for

Seborrheic Dermatitis
First Aid Beauty

First Aid Beauty

Hydrating Dewy Gel Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid +Ceramides

Moisturizer

$38.0056.2ml · $0.68/ml

★★★★★4.8(544)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • StrongFine lines & wrinkles
  • StrongRedness & sensitivity
  • RelevantDark spots & hyperpigmentation

Not recommended for

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Hydrating Dewy Gel Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid +Ceramides is a barrier moisturiser by First Aid Beauty. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Squalane, Dimethicone.

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Medik8

Medik8

Medik8 Sleep Glycolic 30ml

Serum

$49.5330ml · $1.65/ml

★★★★★4.8(985)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness
  • RelevantUneven texture
  • RelevantBlackheads
  • RelevantDark spots & hyperpigmentation

Not recommended for

Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisSeborrheic Dermatitis

Medik8 Sleep Glycolic 30ml is a exfoliant by Medik8. Key ingredients include Water, Glycolic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride.

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ESPA

ESPA

ESPA 24hr Replenishing Moisturiser 55ml

Moisturizer

$64.7755ml · $1.18/ml

★★★★★4.8(932)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness

Not recommended for

Acne & breakoutsSeborrheic DermatitisRosacea

ESPA 24hr Replenishing Moisturiser 55ml is a antioxidant serum by ESPA. Key ingredients include Water, Isopropyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate SE.

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CeraVe

CeraVe

CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser with Amino Acids for Normal to Dry Skin 236ml

Cleanser

$18.42236ml · $0.08/ml

★★★★★4.7(594)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentAcne & breakouts
  • ExcellentBlackheads
  • ExcellentDryness
  • RelevantFine lines & wrinkles

Not recommended for

Seborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / Eczema

CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser with Amino Acids for Normal to Dry Skin 236ml is a water cleanser by CeraVe. Key ingredients include Glycerin, PEG-100 Stearate, Ceramides.

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Perricone MD

Perricone MD

Perricone MD High Potency Intensive Niacinamide-rich Smoothing Serum 59ml

Serum

$42.1659ml · $0.71/ml

★★★★★4.7(990)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • StrongFine lines & wrinkles
  • StrongRedness & sensitivity
  • RelevantDark spots & hyperpigmentation

Not recommended for

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Perricone MD High Potency Intensive Niacinamide-rich Smoothing Serum 59ml is a brightening serum by Perricone MD. Key ingredients include Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate.

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Medik8

Medik8

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum 30ml

Serum

$57.1530ml · $1.91/ml

★★★★★4.7(3,719)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • StrongFine lines & wrinkles

Not recommended for

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum 30ml is a retinoid treatment by Medik8. Key ingredients include Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin.

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DHC

DHC

Concentrated Eye Cream Eye Moisturizer

Eye Cream

$37.0020.7ml · $1.79/ml

★★★★★4.7(1,008)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • RelevantFine lines & wrinkles
  • RelevantRedness & sensitivity

Not recommended for

Seborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasma

Concentrated Eye Cream Eye Moisturizer is a eye cream by DHC. Key ingredients include Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Olive Oil.

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Educational information, not medical advice. Study findings summarise the cited research and may not reflect every formulation.