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Is polysorbate 20 safe during pregnancy?

Reviewed by · Last reviewed

Pregnancy-Safe Ingredients Database — 28,000+ Ingredients Rated
polysorbate 20
NO KNOWN RISKS
100
/100
0

Pregnancy-safe products containing polysorbate 20

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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.

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