VeriMomIs polysorbate 40 safe during pregnancy?
Reviewed by VeriMom Editorial Team · Last reviewed
Pregnancy-Safe Ingredients Database — 28,000+ Ingredients Rated
polysorbate 40
NO KNOWN RISKS100
/100
0
Pregnancy-safe products containing polysorbate 40
MV Organic Skincare
MV Organic Skincare Rose Hydrating Mist
100/100
Environ
Environ Gentle Cream Cleanser
99/100
BIOLOGIQUE RECHERCHE
Biologique Recherche Creme Amnios
98/100
Klorane Bébé
Lait de toilette protecteur sans rinçage
98/100
Klorane
Klorane Bébé Lait de toilette
97/100
CAUDALIE
Premières vendanges
97/100
CAUDALIE
Caudalie Moisturizing And Protective Cream
96/100
cleansers
Klorane
Klorane Bébé Lingettes nettoyantes douceur au lait de toilette
95/100
Cellular MD
Cellular MD Night Shield Lotion PM
85/100
Environ
Moisturiser
85/100
Related ingredients
See also
Sources & references
Authoritative references used to score this ingredient.
Frequently asked questions
- Is polysorbate 40 safe during pregnancy?
- CIR’s comprehensive safety assessment of polysorbates (includes Polysorbate‑40) concluded they are "safe as used" in cosmetics and notes low systemic absorption (polyoxyethylene sorbitan moiety is poorly absorbed; fatty‑acid moiety is hydrolyzed and metabolized). No harmonised CLP reproductive classifications (H360/H361) were found for Polysorbate‑40. ([cir-safety.org](https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/PSorba_032015_Tent.pdf))
- Is polysorbate 40 safe while breastfeeding?
- Same reasoning as for pregnancy: authoritative CIR review found no reproductive/developmental hazard for polysorbates at cosmetic use levels and reports minimal systemic availability of the intact polyoxyethylene sorbitan portion; no regulatory harmonised reproductive hazard for Polysorbate‑40 was identified. ([cir-safety.org](https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/PSorba_032015_Tent.pdf))
- Is polysorbate 40 safe for baby skin?
- CIR indicates Polysorbates are poorly absorbed as intact polyoxyethylene sorbitan; the fatty‑acid portion is hydrolyzed and absorbed. For topical cosmetic use adult systemic exposure is negligible (e=0), but because infant skin barrier is less mature the exposure score is increased by +1 (e=1) per your scoring rules; no infant‑specific studies show increased hazard or mechanism. ([cir-safety.org](https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/PSorba_032015_Tent.pdf))
- How does VeriMom score polysorbate 40?
- VeriMom scores polysorbate 40 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 40?
- See our curated list of pregnancy-safe alternatives to polysorbate 40 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.