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Sorbitan Sesquistearate
AKA “Sorbitan, octadecanoate (2:3), 51938-44-4, EINECS 257-529-7, Stearic acid, sorbitan ester (3:2), QDQ11AXU3Z, RefChem:888289, NIKKOL SS-15V, DTXSID30894414, SORBITAN SESQUISTEARATE [INCI]”
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Sorbitan sesquistearate
AKA: Octadecanoate (2:3), 51938-44-4, EINECS 257-529-7, Stearic acid, Sorbitan ester (3:2), QDQ11AXU3Z, RefChem:888289, NIKKOL SS-15V, DTXSID30894414, SORBITAN SESQUISTEARATE [INCI]
Surfactant · Emulsifying · EWG: 1
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
Sorbitan, octadecanoate (2:3)
Formula
C54H108O19
Mol. Weight
1061.40
CAS #
51938-44-4
See origin →
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Surfactant Emulsifying
Improves Elasticity
Moisturizing
Boosts Collagen
Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
A synthetic emulsifier created from sorbitol and stearic acid. Developed for use in cosmetics to create stable oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Amended Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Hydroxystearic Acid
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Final Repoort on the Safety Assessment of PEG-6, -8, -20 Sorbitan Beeswax
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Isostearic Acid
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Oleic Acid, Lauric Acid, Palmitic Acid, Myristic Acid, and Stearic Acid
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of PEG-20 Sorbitan Cocoate; PEG-40 Sorbitan Diisostearate; PEG-2, -5, and -20 Sorbitan Isostearate; PEG-40 and -75 Sorbitan Lanolate; PEG-10, -40, -44, -75, and -
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sorbitan Caprylate, Sorbitan Cocoate, Sorbitan Diisostearate, Sorbitan Dioleate, Sorbitan Distearate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sorbitan Sesquiis
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sorbitan Stearate, Sorbitan Laurate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Sorbitan Oleate, Sorbitan Tristearate, Sorbitan Palmitate, and Sorbitan Trioleate (Addended by repo
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Final Report: Safety Assessment of Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Poly(3-Hydroxyoctanoic Acid, and Polylactic Acid as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Re-evaluation: Safety Assessment of Hydroxystearic Acid as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Safety Assessment of Sorbitan Esters as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
10-Hydroxystearic Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-10 Sorbitan Laurate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-160 Sorbitan Triisostearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-2 Sorbitan Isostearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-2 Sorbitan Trioleate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-20 Sorbitan Cocoate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-20 Sorbitan Isostearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-20 Sorbitan Oleate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-20 Sorbitan Triisostearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-3 Sorbitan Oleate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-3 Sorbitan Stearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-3 Sorbitan Tristearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-30 Sorbitan Tetraoleate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-4 Sorbitan Stearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-4 Sorbitan Triisostearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-40 Sorbitan Diisostearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-40 Sorbitan Lanolate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-40 Sorbitan Laurate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-40 Sorbitan Oleate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-40 Sorbitan Perisostearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-40 Sorbitan Peroleate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-40 Sorbitan Stearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-40 Sorbitan Tetraoleate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-44 Sorbitan Laurate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-5 Sorbitan Isostearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-6 Sorbitan Oleate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-6 Sorbitan Stearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-60 Sorbitan Stearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-60 Sorbitan Tetraoleate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-60 Sorbitan Tetrastearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-75 Sorbitan Lanolate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-75 Sorbitan Laurate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-80 Sorbitan Palmitate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Sorbitan Caprylate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Sorbitan Cocoate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Sorbitan Diisostearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Sorbitan Dioleate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Sorbitan Distearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Sorbitan Laurate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Sorbitan olivate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Sorbitan Palmate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Sorbitan Sesquicaprylate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Sorbitan Sesquistearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Sorbitan Stearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Sorbitan Triisostearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Sorbitan Trioleate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Sorbitan Undecylenate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Stearic Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Hydroxystearic Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Isostearic Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
PEG-10 Sorbitan Laurate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
PEG-20 Sorbitan Beeswax
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
PEG-20 Sorbitan Cocoate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
PEG-20 Sorbitan Isostearate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
PEG-20 Sorbitan Oleate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
PEG-3 Sorbitan Oleate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
PEG-3 Sorbitan Stearate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
PEG-30 Sorbitan Tetraoleate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
PEG-4 Sorbitan Stearate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
PEG-40 Sorbitan Perisostearate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
PEG-40 Sorbitan Peroleate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
PEG-40 Sorbitan Stearate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
PEG-6 Sorbitan Oleate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
PEG-6 Sorbitan Stearate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
PEG-60 Sorbitan Stearate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Sorbitan
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Sorbitan Caprylate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Sorbitan Cocoate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Sorbitan Distearate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Sorbitan Laurate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Sorbitan Oleate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Sorbitan olivate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Sorbitan Palmitate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Sorbitan Sesquicaprylate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Sorbitan Sesquistearate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Sorbitan Stearate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Sorbitan Trioleate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Sorbitan Tristearate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Stearic Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Safety Assessment of Sorbitan Esters as Used in Cosmetics.
Fiume MM, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2019
→
Safety Assessment of Sorbitan Esters as Used in Cosmetics.
Fiume MM, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2019
→
Safety Assessment of Sorbitan Esters as Used in Cosmetics.
Fiume MM, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2019
→
Clinical preliminary evaluation of PEG-80 sorbitan laurate (Novisol) versus sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate & triclosan (Septisol) in deep-peeling Hett
Kass LG, Rullan PP, Brody HJ
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2020
→
Clinical preliminary evaluation of PEG-80 sorbitan laurate (Novisol) versus sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate & triclosan (Septisol) in deep-peeling Hett
Kass LG, Rullan PP, Brody HJ
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2020
→
Simultaneous contact sensitivity to hydroxystearic acid and C18-36 acid triglyceride in lip glosses.
Kimura M, Kawada A, Ogino M, Murayama Y
Contact dermatitis, 2002
→
Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-6, -8, and -20 sorbitan beeswax.
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2001
→
Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-6, -8, and -20 sorbitan beeswax.
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2001
→
Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-6, -8, and -20 sorbitan beeswax.
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2001
→
Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-6, -8, and -20 sorbitan beeswax.
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2001
→
Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-6, -8, and -20 sorbitan beeswax.
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2001
→
Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-6, -8, and -20 sorbitan beeswax.
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2001
→
Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-6, -8, and -20 sorbitan beeswax.
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2001
→
Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-6, -8, and -20 sorbitan beeswax.
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2001
→
Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-6, -8, and -20 sorbitan beeswax.
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2001
→
Final report on the safety assessment of sorbitan caprylate, sorbitan cocoate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan distearate, sorbita
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert panel
International journal of toxicology, 2002
→
Final report on the safety assessment of sorbitan caprylate, sorbitan cocoate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan distearate, sorbita
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert panel
International journal of toxicology, 2002
→
Final report on the safety assessment of sorbitan caprylate, sorbitan cocoate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan distearate, sorbita
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert panel
International journal of toxicology, 2002
→
Final report on the safety assessment of sorbitan caprylate, sorbitan cocoate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan distearate, sorbita
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert panel
International journal of toxicology, 2002
→
Final report on the safety assessment of sorbitan caprylate, sorbitan cocoate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan distearate, sorbita
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert panel
International journal of toxicology, 2002
→
Final report on the safety assessment of sorbitan caprylate, sorbitan cocoate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan distearate, sorbita
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert panel
International journal of toxicology, 2002
→
Final report on the safety assessment of sorbitan caprylate, sorbitan cocoate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan distearate, sorbita
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert panel
International journal of toxicology, 2002
→
Final report on the safety assessment of sorbitan caprylate, sorbitan cocoate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan distearate, sorbita
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert panel
International journal of toxicology, 2002
→
Final report on the safety assessment of sorbitan caprylate, sorbitan cocoate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan distearate, sorbita
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert panel
International journal of toxicology, 2002
→
Final report on the safety assessment of sorbitan caprylate, sorbitan cocoate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan distearate, sorbita
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert panel
International journal of toxicology, 2002
→
Final report on the safety assessment of sorbitan caprylate, sorbitan cocoate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan distearate, sorbita
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert panel
International journal of toxicology, 2002
→
Final report on the safety assessment of sorbitan caprylate, sorbitan cocoate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan distearate, sorbita
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert panel
International journal of toxicology, 2002
→
Final report on the safety assessment of sorbitan caprylate, sorbitan cocoate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan distearate, sorbita
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert panel
International journal of toxicology, 2002
→
Final report on the safety assessment of sorbitan caprylate, sorbitan cocoate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan distearate, sorbita
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert panel
International journal of toxicology, 2002
→
Final report on the safety assessment of sorbitan caprylate, sorbitan cocoate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan distearate, sorbita
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert panel
International journal of toxicology, 2002
→
Final report on the safety assessment of sorbitan caprylate, sorbitan cocoate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan distearate, sorbita
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert panel
International journal of toxicology, 2002
→
Final report on the safety assessment of sorbitan caprylate, sorbitan cocoate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan distearate, sorbita
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert panel
International journal of toxicology, 2002
→
Final report on the safety assessment of sorbitan caprylate, sorbitan cocoate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan distearate, sorbita
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert panel
International journal of toxicology, 2002
→
Final report on the safety assessment of sorbitan caprylate, sorbitan cocoate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan distearate, sorbita
Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert panel
International journal of toxicology, 2002
→
Management of hot tar burn using vitamin e ointment containing petroleum and polyoxyethylene sorbitan.
Ng K, Dalen D, Rhine D
CJEM, 2013
→
Physicochemical characterization of sodium stearoyl lactylate (SSL), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20) and κ-carrageenan.
Ortiz-Tafoya MC, Tecante A
Data in brief, 2018
→
Microemulsions based on TPGS and isostearic acid for imiquimod formulation and skin delivery.
Pescina S, Garrastazu G, Del Favero E, Rondelli V, Cantù L et al.
European journal of pharmaceutical sciences : official journal of the European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2018
→
Development and characterization of topical formulation for maintenance therapy containing sorbitan monostearate with and without PEG-100-stearate.
Schoenfelder H, Wiedemann Y, Lunter DJ
International journal of cosmetic science, 2025
→
Bio-derived hydroxystearic acid ameliorates skin age spots and conspicuous pores.
Schütz R, Rawlings AV, Wandeler E, Jackson E, Trevisan S et al.
International journal of cosmetic science, 2019
→
Bio-derived hydroxystearic acid ameliorates skin age spots and conspicuous pores.
Schütz R, Rawlings AV, Wandeler E, Jackson E, Trevisan S et al.
International journal of cosmetic science, 2019
→
Bio-derived hydroxystearic acid ameliorates skin age spots and conspicuous pores.
Schütz R, Rawlings AV, Wandeler E, Jackson E, Trevisan S et al.
International journal of cosmetic science, 2019
→
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR