Lots has been said about certain ingredients being bad in skincare. Take, for example, Polysorbate 80. Apparently, some have decided this multi-purpose plant-derived ingredient ranged from being an irritant to completely carcinogenic. Let's do some research and find out what's what!
What is it?
Polysorbate 80 is a lesser known compound, also known as Tween 80 made from polyethoxylated sorbitan (chemical compounds derived from the dehydration of sugar alcohol) and oleic acid, a fatty acid found in animal and vegetable fats. Polysorbate 80 is used as an emulsifier or defoamer in foods, vitamins, medicines, and vaccines (yes, it is in Covid vaccines!).
Why are people avoiding Polysorbate 80?
According to Humblebee & Me, "some people choose to avoid it because of contamination concerns with ethylene oxide and 1,4 dioxane. These are known potential contaminants and are carefully monitored and tested for. Purified versions of the ingredients (the ones we use) are safe. You can read the full safety report from the CIR here. It is safe for use in cosmetics when used as directed."
Taiga Beauty's Viewpoint
In our view, Polysorbate 80 is safe for us to use. The research above is just a snapshot of what we've looked at to determine whether we should use this ingredient. We've found what's at issue is the potential of contaminants not the ingredient itself. We're confident in our suppliers and their provision of high-quality ingredients free from these potential contaminants. We hope you agree and trust us to create safe skincare you can feel confident using.
Comments