PEG-3 Sorbitan Stearate
AKA “peg-4 sorbitan stearate, 90SOR12GHG, RefChem:1094419, Glycosperse S-20, Polysorbate 60 CRS, UNII-CAL22UVI4M, UNII-90SOR12GHG, UNII-HD40WR33LC, HD40WR33LC”
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Peg-3 sorbitan stearate
AKA: Peg-4 sorbitan stearate, 90SOR12GHG, RefChem:1094419, Glycosperse S-20, Polysorbate 60 CRS, UNII-CAL22UVI4M, UNII-90SOR12GHG, UNII-HD40WR33LC, HD40WR33LC
Surfactant · Emulsifying · EWG: 3
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Sorbitan, monooctadecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs. (3 mol EO average molar ratio)
Formula
C32H62O10
Mol. Weight
606.80
CAS #
9005-67-8
See origin →
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Emulsifier
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A synthetic polyethylene glycol-sorbitan ester created as a mild surfactant and emulsifier. Developed to provide gentle cleansing and product stability in modern cosmetics.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
3
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
Industry Max
Industry typically uses up to 1.5% in leave-on products (2 products reported). Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 696).
Regulatory Agencies
PEG-3 Sorbitan Stearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG-4 Sorbitan Stearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG-3 Sorbitan Stearate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
PEG-4 Sorbitan Stearate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR