Polysorbate 80 vs 20

Is Polysorbate 80 natural?

It really is a debatable question, but the answer is actually no.

It's derived from corn and palm ingredients but the process it undergoes to turn into polysorbate 80 makes it a synthethic ingredient. It is however a safe ingredient to use, and is typically used as an emulsifying ingredient for products that encounter water as it has a great "wash away" ability. Some brands use polysorbate 80 in products like bath bombs and shower steamers, but we don't use any liquid fillers in our steamers (except Relief for melting purposes).

It is actually a very widely used ingredient from cosmetics to food to pharmaceuticals as it is a non-toxic ingredient. We like to use it because it works well with heavier oils to help it bond with water, and also helps from discolouring your shower or tub (if there was any sort of colouring in the product).

Products you can find polysorbate 80 in would be our body scrubs which help boost its "wash away" properties.

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Is Polysorbate 20 natural?

Yes, it is! It's derived from coconut oil (aka lauric acid) and is also used to emulsify oil in water. Polysorbate 20 is most commonly used in spray form which makes the formula appear clear versus polysorbate 80 which often gives off a more cloudy look due to its viscosity.