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Moumoujus

SORBITAN STEARATE.

Valuable CAS 1338-41-6 / SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Sorbitan Stearate is a multi-functional ester serving primarily as an emulsifier to create stable blends of oil and water in skincare formulations. It also acts as a humectant and emollient, contributing to skin hydration and texture. This ingredient enhances product consistency while offering direct benefits to the skin.

Summary

Emulsifying Agent Surfactant Humectant Moisturizer Skin Softener Thickener Penetration Enhancer Skin Barrier Support

Science

Mechanism of Action

Sorbitan Stearate functions as an emulsifying surfactant, effectively merging immiscible oil and water phases to ensure formulation stability and uniform texture. It attracts and retains moisture in the skin as a humectant and improves tactile feel as a moisturizer and softener. Furthermore, it may enhance the penetration of other active ingredients into the epidermis and demonstrates potential to support the recovery of compromised skin barrier function.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Formulations containing Sorbitan Stearate have shown potential to improve deficient skin barrier function, particularly as part of foundational therapy for various dermatological conditions.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 2 – 12
0 7 14

Stability

Sorbitan Stearate maintains stability across a broad pH range of 2 to 12. However, it is susceptible to hydrolysis in the presence of water under extremely acidic or alkaline conditions. It is combustible and incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. For incorporation, it should be added to the heated oil phase and melted at approximately 80°C (176°F). As a low HLB (4.7) emulsifier, it is ideal for water-in-oil emulsions and is frequently combined with high HLB emulsifiers, such as Polysorbate 60 or 80, to form stable oil-in-water emulsions. Typical usage concentrations range from 0.5% to 5%, with optimal levels often observed between 0.75% and 1.5%.

Synergies

  • Polysorbate 60
  • Polysorbate 80
  • High HLB emulsifiers

Conflicts

  • strong oxidizing agents

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
8%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that sorbitan esters, including Sorbitan Stearate, are safe for use in cosmetic formulations. While some formulations containing 2-4% showed mild skin irritation, a 30% concentration demonstrated no eye irritation and was deemed non-irritating and non-sensitizing in clinical patch tests. The U.S. FDA permits its use as a multipurpose food additive. Comedogenicity assessments from various sources consistently classify Sorbitan Stearate with a rating of 0, indicating a low likelihood of pore-clogging.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Sorbitan Stearate is a valuable multi-functional ingredient, affirmed for its safety and efficacy in stabilizing formulations, enhancing skin hydration, and supporting skin barrier function.

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