INCI page

SORBITAN STEARATE

Last update on Jul 26, 2023
Sorbitan Stearate is a common ingredient in cosmetics and skincare products, serving as an emulsifier and stabilizer. It is derived from the natural sugar alcohol, sorbitan, and stearic acid, a fatty acid. This combination forms a waxy, cream-colored substance with a characteristic mild odor. As an emulsifier, Sorbitan Stearate helps blend water and oil-based ingredients, enabling the formulation of smooth and homogeneous products like creams and lotions. Its stabilizing properties prevent the separation of different components, ensuring a consistent texture and appearance. With its versatility and stability, Sorbitan Stearate plays a crucial role in creating effective and visually appealing cosmetic formulations. The chemical formula of Sorbitan Stearate is C24H46O6.
CAS Number: 1338-41-6Chem/IUPAC Name: Sorbitan stearateEINECS/ELINCS No: 215-664-9COSING REF No: 38187

Products with SORBITAN STEARATE

See all products
With samples available

Plantasens® Emulsifier HP 49

by Clariant

INCI: CETEARYL GLUCOSIDE | SORBITAN STEARATE | CETEARYL ALCOHOL | DISODIUM CETEARYL SULFOSUCCINATE
  • Recently launched
  • Sustainable option
See the product

What is SORBITAN STEARATE used for?

Sorbitan Stearate is an ideal ingredient used in personal care and cosmetics and proves to be quite beneficial.
  • Skin care: It is widely used as an emulsifier. It enables the combination of water and oil-based ingredients, resulting in smooth and creamy formulations like lotions, creams, and moisturizers. Sorbitan Stearate ensures better product stability, preventing ingredient separation and ensuring consistent texture
  • Hair care: It plays a vital role in formulating hair products such as conditioners and shampoos. The inclusion of Sorbitan Stearate ensures that hair conditioners can evenly distribute moisturizing agents, leaving hair soft, manageable, and hydrated. Additionally, in shampoos, it aids in the even dispersion of cleansing agents, resulting in a more efficient and thorough cleansing process

Origin

The production of Sorbitan Stearate involves a reaction between sorbitol, a sugar alcohol derived from corn or berries, and stearic acid, a fatty acid often sourced from vegetable oils. This chemical reaction forms the ester Sorbitan Stearate, which is then purified for cosmetic use.

What does SORBITAN STEARATE do in a formulation?

EMULSIFYING

Safety Profile

Sorbitan Stearate is generally considered safe for topical use in cosmetics and skincare products. It is non-toxic and poses minimal risk of side effects when used as intended. As a derivative of plant-based sources, Sorbitan Stearate can be considered vegan-friendly, making it suitable for individuals following a vegan lifestyle.

SORBITAN STEARATE alternatives

SORBITAN STEARATE technical profile

Property Values
Boiling Point 578-579°C
Melting Point 54-57°C
Solubility Dispersible in water
Viscosity Low