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Moumoujus

SORBITAN CAPRYLATE.

Valuable CAS 60177-36-8 / SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Sorbitan Caprylate is a naturally-derived, multi-functional ingredient that acts primarily as an emulsifier to stabilize oil-water formulations, ensuring consistent product texture. It significantly boosts the efficacy of preserving agents, which can allow for lower concentrations of traditional preservatives, and also imparts mild emollient properties for skin softening.

Summary

emulsifying preservative boosting viscosity controlling surfactant emollient thickener active ingredient absorption enhancer

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient functions as a surfactant and co-emulsifier, facilitating the homogeneous mixing and stabilization of immiscible oil and water phases within cosmetic formulations. It contributes to increased viscosity, serving as a natural-based thickener. Beyond its textural roles, Sorbitan Caprylate acts as a preservation booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preserving agents and potentially enabling 'preservative-free' claims in easily preserved systems when used alone. Additionally, it offers emollient benefits for skin moisturization and can promote the absorption of active ingredients, supporting gentle skin renewal for a healthy complexion.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 1–1.5%
Optimal

1.5%

Key findings

  1. 01 Demonstrates maximum use concentration in leave-on products, effectively stabilizing emulsions and boosting the performance of traditional preservatives. Its use can support 'preservative-free' product claims in easy-to-preserve formulations.
  2. 02 Serves as the maximum use concentration in rinse-off products, where it functions as an emulsifier and enhances the efficacy of other preservatives.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Sorbitan Caprylate provides multiple functional benefits as an emulsifier, preservative booster, and thickener. Its primary roles are integral to formulation stability and efficacy, making it a substantive ingredient rather than one added purely for marketing claims or 'dusting'.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 5 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

Exhibits excellent synergistic effects with organic acids and aromatic alcohols, significantly enhancing preservative effectiveness and allowing for reduced levels of classical preservatives. It is effective in thickening surfactant systems and stabilizing emulsion integrity.

Synergies

  • organic acids
  • aromatic alcohols

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
1.5%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has determined Sorbitan Caprylate to be safe for use in cosmetic and personal care products at current concentrations. As a member of the sorbitan esters group, it is generally considered non-toxic and has shown minimal to mild skin irritation, with no reported sensitizing effects, in animal and human studies. Its use is also permitted under the European Union's Cosmetics Regulation.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Sorbitan Caprylate is a valuable ingredient due to its multifaceted role as an effective emulsifier, a potent preservative booster enabling lower preservative loads, and its gentle emollient and thickening properties, all with an excellent safety profile for all skin types.

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