emulsifier trigger
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.
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.
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.
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.
Neutrogena
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Invisible Cream Sunscreen Hydration SPF50
Sunscreen
$21.32
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Glyceryl Stearate and Polysorbate 60); Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema (Propylene Glycol); Rosacea (Propylene Glycol)
Neutrogena
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Invisible Cream Sunscreen Hydration SPF50
Sunscreen
$21.32
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Glyceryl Stearate and Polysorbate 60); Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema (Propylene Glycol); Rosacea (Propylene Glycol)
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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Set up your skin profileDHC
Extra Nighttime Moisture Facial Moisturizer
Moisturizer
$39.0044.4ml · $0.88/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
DHC
Extra Nighttime Moisture Facial Moisturizer
Moisturizer
$39.0044.4ml · $0.88/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Extra Nighttime Moisture Facial Moisturizer is a antioxidant serum by DHC. Key ingredients include Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Glycerin.
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Set up your skin profileKate Somerville
DeliKate Recovery Cream - 1.7 oz
Moisturizer
$84.0050.3ml · $1.67/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetearyl Alcohol, Shea Butter, Glyceryl Stearate and Polysorbate 60)
Kate Somerville
DeliKate Recovery Cream - 1.7 oz
Moisturizer
$84.0050.3ml · $1.67/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetearyl Alcohol, Shea Butter, Glyceryl Stearate and Polysorbate 60)
DeliKate Recovery Cream - 1.7 oz is a peptide serum by Kate Somerville. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Cetearyl Alcohol.
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Set up your skin profileFirst Aid Beauty
Hydrating Dewy Gel Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid +Ceramides
Moisturizer
$38.0056.2ml · $0.68/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Polysorbate 60)
First Aid Beauty
Hydrating Dewy Gel Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid +Ceramides
Moisturizer
$38.0056.2ml · $0.68/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Polysorbate 60)
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
Serum
$49.5330ml · $1.65/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Glyceryl Stearate and Polysorbate 60)
Medik8
Serum
$49.5330ml · $1.65/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Glyceryl Stearate and Polysorbate 60)
Medik8 Sleep Glycolic 30ml is a exfoliant by Medik8. Key ingredients include Water, Glycolic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride.
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ESPA
ESPA 24hr Replenishing Moisturiser 55ml
Moisturizer
$64.7755ml · $1.18/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Rosacea (Limonene and Linalool)
ESPA
ESPA 24hr Replenishing Moisturiser 55ml
Moisturizer
$64.7755ml · $1.18/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Rosacea (Limonene and Linalool)
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 Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser with Amino Acids for Normal to Dry Skin 236ml
Cleanser
$18.42236ml · $0.08/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Glyceryl Stearate and Polysorbate 60); Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema (Salicylic Acid)
CeraVe
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser with Amino Acids for Normal to Dry Skin 236ml
Cleanser
$18.42236ml · $0.08/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Glyceryl Stearate and Polysorbate 60); Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema (Salicylic Acid)
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 High Potency Intensive Niacinamide-rich Smoothing Serum 59ml
Serum
$42.1659ml · $0.71/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Glyceryl Stearate and Polysorbate 60)
Perricone MD
Perricone MD High Potency Intensive Niacinamide-rich Smoothing Serum 59ml
Serum
$42.1659ml · $0.71/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Glyceryl Stearate and Polysorbate 60)
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 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum 30ml
Serum
$57.1530ml · $1.91/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetearyl Alcohol and Polysorbate 60)
Medik8
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum 30ml
Serum
$57.1530ml · $1.91/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetearyl Alcohol and Polysorbate 60)
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum 30ml is a retinoid treatment by Medik8. Key ingredients include Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin.
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Set up your skin profileDHC
Concentrated Eye Cream Eye Moisturizer
Eye Cream
$37.0020.7ml · $1.79/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
DHC
Concentrated Eye Cream Eye Moisturizer
Eye Cream
$37.0020.7ml · $1.79/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
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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Set up your skin profileEducational information, not medical advice. Study findings summarise the cited research and may not reflect every formulation.