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Moumoujus

SORBETH-20.

Valuable CAS 53694-15-8 / SOLVENT, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Sorbeth-20 is a versatile ethoxylated compound functioning primarily as an emulsifying agent and surfactant, crucial for blending immiscible ingredients within formulations. It effectively solubilizes various substances and contributes to stable product textures while aiding in skin moisture retention.

Summary

emulsifying solubilizing surfactant dispersing wetting anti-static thickener viscosity modifier

Science

Mechanism of Action

Sorbeth-20 operates by decreasing the surface tension between substances, facilitating the formation of stable emulsions. As a solubilizing agent, it enables the uniform dispersion of ingredients that would typically not dissolve in a given solvent. Beyond these core functions, it acts as a dispersing and wetting agent, a viscosity modifier, and can help to form a subtle barrier on the skin, assisting in moisture retention and simplifying the removal of oil-based impurities during cleansing.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.2–11%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical assessments indicate formulations containing Sorbeth-20 Beeswax up to 3% caused minimal skin irritation and no sensitization. Ocular irritation was also observed to be minimal at concentrations up to 30%.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 6 – 8
0 7 14

Stability

Sorbeth-20 maintains stability across a range of pH conditions, including acidic and basic formulations, and exhibits resilience to hard water and electrolytes. Its emulsifying capabilities can be enhanced through co-formulation with cetyl alcohol or sorbitan stearate. This ingredient also helps to stabilize product viscosity against temperature fluctuations.

Synergies

  • cetyl alcohol
  • sorbitan stearate

Conflicts

  • alkalis
  • heavy metal salts
  • phenols
  • tannic acid
  • many preservatives (potential reduction in activity)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
11%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded Sorbeth-20 Beeswax is safe for cosmetic use, with reported concentrations up to 11%. This assessment relies on data for related ingredients like Beeswax, Sorbitan Esters, PEGs, and Polysorbates, which are generally considered safe when formulated to be non-irritating. While 1,4-dioxane, a by-product of ethoxylation, may be present in trace amounts, this can be effectively managed through purification processes. The FDA also recognizes it as safe for specific food uses.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Sorbeth-20 is a valuable, functionally versatile ingredient crucial for product stability and ingredient dispersion across a wide range of cosmetic formulations, noted for its low irritation potential.

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