INCI page

SORBITAN TRISTEARATE

Last update on Jul 3, 2025

Sorbitan Tristearate is a surfactant and emulsifier widely used in cosmetics and personal care products. It improves the spreadability and feel of products like creams, lotions, and serums. As an emulsifier, this ingredient helps mix oil and water based components together to result in a smooth and stable formulation. Not only is Sorbitan Tristearate an excellent cleansing agent, it also prevents water loss and keeps skin hydrated. In its raw form, it appears as a light cream to tan colored waxy solid that is insoluble in water. It is commonly added to cream-based makeup, hair masks, foundations, body lotions, serums, and sunscreens. The chemical formula of Sorbitan Tristearate is C60H114O8.

CAS Number: 26658-19-5Chem/IUPAC Name: Sorbitan tristearateEINECS/ELINCS No: 247-891-4COSING REF No: 38190

Products with SORBITAN TRISTEARATE

See all products
With samples available

Span™ 65

by Croda

INCI: SORBITAN TRISTEARATE
  • Sustainable option

ERCASORB TS V

by Wilmar International

INCI: SORBITAN TRISTEARATE
  • Sustainable option

What is SORBITAN TRISTEARATE used for?

Sorbitan Tristearate is a multifunctional ingredient used in skin and hair cosmetics as an emulsifier, surfactant, and texture enhancer.

Skin care: An essential ingredient in lotions and creams, Sorbitan Tristearate prevents ingredient separation and ensures a smooth and stable product that is long lasting. It improves the texture and spreadability of skincare formulations and gives them a silky, luxurious feel. Sorbitan Tristearate also has hydrating effects and reduces water loss from the skin.

Hair care: Sorbitan Tristearate reduces frizz and dryness in hair care products. It makes the shafts soft and more manageable. Further, this ingredient improves the texture of hair care products and prevents greasiness. It is commonly added to hair masks, conditioners, styling creams, and leave-in treatments.

Origin

Sorbitan Tristearate is made via the esterification reaction wherein sorbitol (a sugar alcohol) is reacted with stearic acid (a fatty acid). The resulting ingredient is purified and processed for use in cosmetics.

What does SORBITAN TRISTEARATE do in a formulation?

EMULSIFYING|
SURFACTANT|
HUMECTANT|
HAIR CONDITIONING|
MASKING

Safety Profile

Sorbitan Tristearate is a safe and skin-friendly ingredient with no side effects under recommended concentrations - up to 10%. It has a low comedogenicity rating and is well-tolerated by most skin types. However, patch tests must be performed when using the ingredient for the first time.

SORBITAN TRISTEARATE technical profile

PropertyValues

Boiling Point

>100°C

Melting Point

55°C - 65°C

pH

Neutral

Solubility

Insoluble in water