PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate: what it is in skincare

A very mild cleanser used in tear-free formulas that helps cleanse gently with light foam.

What it does

Function: surfactant (mild). Surfactants lift away oil, sunscreen and grime. K-beauty favours mild amino-acid and amphoteric surfactants that clean without stripping.

How to spot it on a label

On a Korean product's INCI list, look for PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate. Ingredients are listed high-to-low by amount, so its position hints at how much is in the formula. See all cleansing agents (surfactants) →

✍️ Written & reviewed by the KoreaPlus Editorial team — dermatologist-informed, cosmetic-science researched & source-cited. Last reviewed 2026-06-21.

General educational information using cosmetic structure-function wording — not medical advice. Always patch-test new actives. © KoreaPlus.