Sorbitan Stearate1 ●
TL;DR. It is a low-HLB nonionic emulsifier that helps build water-in-oil emulsions and stabilizes oil phases, waxes, and pigments. In oil-in-water systems, it is often paired with a higher-HLB emulsifier to improve texture and stability.
What does Sorbitan Stearate1 do in a cosmetic formula?
It is a low-HLB nonionic emulsifier that helps build water-in-oil emulsions and stabilizes oil phases, waxes, and pigments. In oil-in-water systems, it is often paired with a higher-HLB emulsifier to improve texture and stability.
Is Sorbitan Stearate1 clean?
Clean-beauty standards generally treat it as well tolerated and low concern, with little allergen or sensitization friction. The main scrutiny is supply-chain based, especially when the fatty feedstock is palm-derived.
Is Sorbitan Stearate1 sustainable?
This ingredient is commonly made from a sugar-derived alcohol and a plant or animal fatty acid, with palm and coconut as common plant sources. It is expected to be readily biodegradable, while the sustainability profile depends mainly on traceable, responsibly managed fatty-acid sourcing.
Is Sorbitan Stearate1 COSMOS-approved?
It is generally permitted in COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic products when made from approved natural-origin feedstocks and compliant processing. Its Green Chemistry fit is solid because it uses renewable carbon, has low persistence, and is made by esterification rather than more intensive synthetic routes.
How does Sorbitan Stearate1 work chemically?
The molecule is a nonionic fatty ester with an HLB around 4.7, which explains its affinity for oil phases and its role in low-HLB emulsifier blends. Typical use is about 0.5% to 5%, with good broad pH compatibility in finished formulas, although ester bonds can slowly hydrolyze under strong acid or alkaline conditions.
Last updated 2026-05-13