Is Polysorbate 60 Vegetarian? Unpacking This Common Emulsifier

January 12, 2026 •

3 min read

Polysorbate 60 is a food additive and emulsifier used to blend ingredients, but its source isn't always obvious. The key question, 'is polysorbate 60 vegetarian?', depends on whether the fatty acid component, stearic acid, is derived from plant or animal sources.

Quick Summary

The vegetarian status of polysorbate 60 is not guaranteed and requires confirmation from the manufacturer, as its stearic acid component can be derived from either plant or animal sources. Transparency is crucial for consumers seeking to determine if a product containing this emulsifier is vegetarian-friendly.

Key Points

Source Varies: Polysorbate 60 is not universally vegetarian; its vegetarian status depends on the source of the stearic acid used in its creation, which can be animal-based (tallow) or plant-based (palm oil).
No Guarantee on Labels: Food labels often do not specify the origin of ingredients like polysorbate 60, making it impossible to determine its source without further inquiry.
Contact the Manufacturer: For certainty, consumers must either purchase products with a clear 'vegan' certification or contact the manufacturer directly to confirm the source of their polysorbate 60.
Compare to Polysorbate 80: Polysorbate 80 is often derived from animal fats like pork and beef, making polysorbate 60 a potentially more likely, though not guaranteed, vegetarian option.
Consider Alternatives: Plant-based alternatives like lecithin, xanthan gum, and guar gum can be used instead of polysorbate 60 to avoid any ambiguity regarding ingredient sourcing.
Broad Applications: The sourcing concern for polysorbate 60 extends across various industries, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, where it is used as an emulsifier and stabilizer.

Understanding the Components of Polysorbate 60

To understand if polysorbate 60 is vegetarian, it's essential to look at its two main components and how they are manufactured. The emulsifier is a synthetic compound derived from sorbitol and stearic acid, which is then reacted with ethylene oxide. The manufacturing process and the source of the stearic acid are the determining factors for its vegetarian and vegan status.

The Role of Stearic Acid

The fatty acid stearic acid is the variable that determines if polysorbate 60 is vegetarian. Stearic acid occurs naturally in both vegetable oils and animal fats. For example, plant-based stearic acid can come from sources like cocoa butter, palm oil, and shea butter, making the resulting polysorbate 60 vegetarian. However, if the stearic acid is sourced from animal fats, such as tallow from cows, the emulsifier is not vegetarian. This variability means that the ingredient itself cannot be assumed to be plant-based without verification.

The Importance of Labeling and Sourcing

For conscientious consumers, reading the product label is the first step, but it is often not enough. Manufacturers are not required to specify the source of the stearic acid used to make polysorbate 60. In cases where a product is not explicitly labeled as 'vegetarian' or 'vegan,' contacting the manufacturer directly is the most reliable method for determining the ingredient's origin. Some companies, particularly those catering to specific dietary markets, will explicitly state their sourcing or offer vegan-certified polysorbate 60.

The Verdict: Check the Source

In short, polysorbate 60 is not inherently vegetarian. Its status depends entirely on the source of the stearic acid used in its production. This applies to both food and cosmetic applications, as the chemical composition is the same regardless of its use.

Key Considerations for Consumers

Food Products: Polysorbate 60 (also listed as E435) is commonly found in a range of processed foods like baked goods, frozen desserts, and dressings. While many food-grade versions are derived from plant oils, only certified vegan products or direct manufacturer confirmation can guarantee a plant-based origin.
Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals: Polysorbate 60 is a common emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetics, creams, and lotions. The same sourcing concerns apply; personal care products marked as 'vegan' offer the most assurance.
Cross-Contamination: Even if the stearic acid is plant-based, some strict vegans might object to the synthetic nature of the manufacturing process or potential for cross-contamination with animal products in shared equipment.

Comparing Polysorbate 60 and Polysorbate 80

While both polysorbate 60 (E435) and polysorbate 80 (E433) are used as emulsifiers, their common sourcing and potential for non-vegetarian components differ. For example, polysorbate 80 is often derived from animal sources.


Feature	Polysorbate 60 (E435)	Polysorbate 80 (E433)
Sourcing Variability	Stearic acid can be plant or animal-based.	Fatty acid can be plant or animal-based (e.g., pork, beef).
Common Vegetarian Status	Depends entirely on the manufacturer. Not always vegetarian.	Less likely to be vegetarian. More commonly derived from animal sources unless specified.
Primary Use	Emulsifier for baked goods, ice cream, whipped toppings.	Emulsifier for ice cream, sauces, food, and cosmetics.
HLB Value	Medium range (14.9).	Higher range (15).

Vegetarian and Vegan Alternatives to Polysorbate 60

For those who wish to avoid the uncertainty surrounding polysorbate 60, several reliable vegetarian and vegan alternatives exist.

Lecithin: Often sourced from soybeans or sunflower seeds, lecithin is a very common and effective emulsifier used in a wide range of food products and baked goods.
Xanthan Gum: Produced via the fermentation of sugar by bacteria, xanthan gum is a reliable plant-based thickening agent and emulsifier.
Guar Gum: Derived from the guar bean, this plant-based stabilizer and emulsifier is frequently used in vegan ice creams and other foods.
Carrageenan: Extracted from red seaweed, carrageenan is used as a thickening and stabilizing agent, particularly in dairy-free milks and desserts.

Conclusion

While polysorbate 60 is a versatile and common emulsifier, its vegetarian status is not assured due to the dual potential sourcing of its stearic acid component. Shoppers committed to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle must look for specific labels, certifications, or contact manufacturers to verify that the ingredient was produced from plant-based fats. Without such confirmation, the origin of polysorbate 60 remains ambiguous, necessitating caution. Choosing products with clearly labeled vegan alternatives or supporting brands that prioritize transparent sourcing is the most straightforward approach for ensuring dietary compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, polysorbate 60 is not always vegan. Its primary component, stearic acid, can be derived from either plant-based fats, such as palm or vegetable oil, or from animal-based fats, like tallow.

The most reliable way is to look for a 'vegan' or 'vegetarian' certification on the product packaging. If no such label exists, you must contact the manufacturer directly to ask about their sourcing of polysorbate 60.

As an emulsifier, polysorbate 60 helps stabilize oil-and-water mixtures in products like baked goods, frozen desserts, and dressings. It prevents ingredients from separating and improves texture.

Yes, E435 is the European food additive number for polysorbate 60. When you see E435 on an ingredient list, it is referring to polysorbate 60.

Like polysorbate 60, other polysorbates, such as polysorbate 80, are not automatically vegetarian. The fatty acid component of polysorbate 80 is frequently sourced from animal fat, so it is often non-vegetarian unless otherwise specified.

Common vegan emulsifiers include lecithin (from soy or sunflower), xanthan gum (from fermented sugar), and guar gum (from guar beans).

Yes, but only if you have confirmed that the specific batch of polysorbate 60 used is plant-based. Products certified as 'vegan' have already undergone this verification process.

The manufacturing process itself is a chemical reaction involving sorbitol, stearic acid, and ethylene oxide. However, the initial source of the stearic acid is the variable component, which can be either plant- or animal-based.