Polysorbate 21

Polysorbate 21 is a cosmetic ingredient used as a surfactant - emulsifying, surfactant - cleansing agent. It is used in 9 products in our dataset. It is regulated in the EU (listed in a Cosmetics Regulation annex).

INCI namePOLYSORBATE 21
FunctionSURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING
CAS number9005-64-5
Prevalence9 products (0.01% of dataset)
Most used inHaircare
EU statusRestricted (annex )
Monthly searches30

Used in

Shampoos 33.3%Lash & Brow Serums 11.1%Leave-in Treatments 11.1%Makeup Removers 11.1%Other Haircare 11.1%Scalp Scrubs 11.1%

Frequently asked

What does Polysorbate 21 do in skincare?
Polysorbate 21 functions as a surfactant - emulsifying, surfactant - cleansing agent in cosmetic formulas.
Is Polysorbate 21 allowed in cosmetics?
Yes, but it is regulated in the EU — it appears in a Cosmetics Regulation annex with usage conditions.
What products contain Polysorbate 21?
It is most commonly found in Haircare products, especially shampoos (33.3% of its uses).

Manufacturers with experience using Polysorbate 21

Match with vetted US contract manufacturers that have hands-on experience formulating with this ingredient.