Emulsifiers
Polysorbate 80
Definition
What it is
Synthetic emulsifier: polysorbates and carboxymethylcellulose were shown in a landmark 2015 Nature study to disrupt gut microbiome composition, thin the intestinal mucus layer, and promote colitis and metabolic syndrome in mice.
On the label
How it appears on labels
- polysorbate 80
- e433
Regulation
Regulatory status
No bans or restrictions are recorded for this ingredient in the jurisdictions clearlabel tracks (US, EU, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia/NZ, Brazil).
Explainer
In plain language
Polysorbate 80 is a synthetic emulsifier that keeps oil and water from separating and helps products stay smooth and stable. It is common in ice cream, dressings, and some drinks, and it also appears in supplements and medicines. It is made by reacting a sugar-alcohol derivative with fatty acids and ethylene oxide.
Assessment
Why it is flagged
Polysorbate 80 was one of the two emulsifiers at the center of a 2015 study in Nature, led by Chassaing and colleagues, which found that it and carboxymethylcellulose altered the gut microbiome, thinned the protective mucus layer, and promoted colitis and metabolic syndrome in mice. Later human-focused work, including a randomized controlled feeding study, has begun to examine similar effects, but the human evidence is still limited and not conclusive. The mouse results were dose-specific and do not translate directly to people. Regulators in the US and EU continue to permit polysorbate 80 in food within set limits. Clear Label flags it at high severity because it is the most studied emulsifier in the gut-health debate, and some people with digestive sensitivity choose to track it in their own logs.
In the aisle
Where it commonly shows up
- Ice cream and frozen desserts
- Salad dressings and sauces
- Some drink mixes and flavored beverages
- Whipped and dessert toppings
- Some supplements and gummy vitamins
- Some baked goods
Practical
Reading the label
Polysorbate 80 is listed by name on US labels and can appear as E433 in the EU. It is used in small amounts and often sits near the end of the ingredient list, including in products that are not obviously creamy.
Alternatives
If you want to avoid it
Some people who limit synthetic emulsifiers choose ice creams and dressings with shorter ingredient lists, or products that use lecithin or egg instead. Comparing two similar cartons side by side usually reveals a simpler option.
FAQ
Common questions
Is polysorbate 80 banned anywhere?
No. It is permitted as a food additive in the US and EU within defined limits. The emulsifier research has fueled debate but has not led to a ban.
Does polysorbate 80 harm the gut?
The 2015 Nature study associated it with gut inflammation and microbiome changes in mice at set doses. Human evidence is still limited, so it is a pattern under active study rather than a proven effect in people.
Why is it in supplements and medicines too?
Polysorbate 80 helps dissolve and disperse ingredients that do not mix with water, which is useful in soft gels, liquids, and some injectables. Clear Label focuses on its use in food, but it is worth knowing it appears in other products.
Citations
Sources
Citation
Primary reference
About this page: the definition, label names, severity, and regulatory chips come from the clearlabel ingredient taxonomy, the same data the scanner uses to score products. Research summaries describe associations reported in published studies, not diagnoses; individual responses vary. Scan any product with clearlabel to see which of its ingredients carry flags.