Sorbeth-450 Tristearate
AKA “Sorbitan Polysorbate Ester
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Sorbeth-450 tristearate
AKA: Sorbitan Polysorbate Ester
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Sorbeth-450 Tristearate is the triester of Stearic Acid and a polyethylene glycol ether of Sorbitol with an average of 450 moles of ethylene oxide.
Effective at 0.7%
CAS #
-
See origin →
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Foam Boosting
Viscosity Controlling
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Boosts Lather
Controls Viscosity
Enhances lather
Lifts away dirt and oil
Mixes oil and water
Controls product thickness
Traditional Use
Synthetic emulsifier developed in the mid-20th century as part of the polysorbate family. Designed for heavy-duty emulsification in cosmetic formulations with a high sorbitol ethylene oxide content.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.5%
0.9%
0%1%
Effective Range
CIR reported use: 0.5-0.9
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR