Is polysorbate 20 safe during pregnancy?
Reviewed by VeriMom Editorial Team · Last reviewed
Pregnancy-Safe Ingredients Database — 28,000+ Ingredients Rated
polysorbate 20
NO KNOWN RISKS100
/100
0









Pregnancy-safe products containing polysorbate 20

Vogue
Sombra color de larga duración
100/100

Auchan
Auchan
100/100

ENN
ENN Ac Nay Anti-Acne Face Mask
100/100

Karin Herzog
Karin Herzog Mild Scrub
100/100

Sexy Hair
Sexy Hair Big Altitude Bodifying Blow Dry Mousse
100/100

Coera
Coera Hyaluronic Acid Serum
100/100

Théa
Théa Blephasol Duo
100/100

Unknown
Toallitas Humedas
100/100

Coera
Coera Collagen Serum
100/100

OG Organix
OG Organix Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
100/100
Related ingredients
See also
Sources & references
Authoritative references used to score this ingredient.
Frequently asked questions
- Is polysorbate 20 safe during pregnancy?
- No harmonised CLP reproductive classification (ECHA Annex VI) and no CIR or SCCS safety conclusion indicating reproductive hazard; available regulatory reviews (CIR) conclude 'safe as used' in cosmetics and peer-reviewed data do not show teratogenicity or reproductive toxicity for polysorbate 20 (sources: CIR, ECHA registration/CosIng, PubChem, PubMed).
- Is polysorbate 20 safe while breastfeeding?
- No evidence of reproductive or lactation-specific toxicity, no mechanistic data indicating transfer into breast milk; regulatory safety assessments (CIR) and ECHA dossiers do not identify concerns for breastfeeding exposure (sources: CIR, ECHA/CosIng, PubChem).
- Is polysorbate 20 safe for baby skin?
- No intrinsic reproductive hazard identified (h=0). As a water‑soluble nonionic surfactant with potential for some dermal exposure and because infant skin has higher permeability, exposure score is increased by +1 relative to adults (adult e=0 → infant e=1). Regulatory sources (CIR, CosIng, ECHA) do not flag developmental or dermatotoxic risks specific to 0–3 y, though surfactants can be irritating in higher concentrations and formulations should follow infant-use guidance.
- How does VeriMom score polysorbate 20?
- VeriMom scores polysorbate 20 at 100/100 (no known risks) based on EU CosIng status, ECHA hazard classifications, and peer-reviewed PubMed studies. Our scoring pipeline is fully transparent.
- What are pregnancy-safe alternatives to polysorbate 20?
- See our curated list of pregnancy-safe alternatives to polysorbate 20 based on similar function and a no-known-risks safety band.
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Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Safety scores are based on publicly available data and may not reflect all risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any product during pregnancy or breastfeeding.