Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate

Animal and lab studies only

• Concern

  Gut barrier and absorption²

  In animal studies, polysorbate 80 weakened the gut's protective lining, letting more of a harmful chemical be absorbed.

• Concern

  Gut barrier and bacteria³

  In lab studies, polysorbate 80 changed gut bacteria and weakened the gut lining in a simulator.

• Concern

  Gut barrier health⁴

  Polysorbate 80 broke down the gut barrier and caused inflammation in lab-grown intestinal cells.

The signal at the top counts the findings in people and in animal and lab studies. A concern in studies of people outranks animal and lab studies, and “No concerns” needs at least one finding in people. When most findings in people point one way, the page leans that way (“Mostly”), and every finding is still shown. Findings whose study type is not stated are shown but not counted. This page is a reference, not medical advice. It describes what regulators and published research say. Talk to a doctor or dietitian about your own diet.

Expert panels that weigh all the research. Shown for context: the signal at the top does not count them.

• UN and WHO food additive experts (JECFA), 2026

  Acceptable daily intake: up to 25 mg per kg of body weight, shared with related additives.