Barrier

Sorbitan Stearate

INCI · Sorbitan Stearate

Revelika safety grade

Overview

An emulsifier made from sorbitol and stearic acid, oil-loving in character. It is normally used with a water-loving partner such as a polysorbate, the pair together forming a more stable emulsion than either would alone.

Who it's for

Creams, balms and richer lotions, where it contributes both to keeping the emulsion intact and to the thickness of the final texture.

Cautions

A structural ingredient with no action of its own on skin. It is one of a family of sorbitan esters that differ only in the fatty acid attached, so a product switching between them changes its feel rather than what it does.

Suitability
Suits skin type
Dry Oily Combination Sensitive Acne-prone Mature Normal
Concentration
Concentration0 – 10%
Effective from
Max safe
In the glossary
Frequently asked
What does Sorbitan Stearate do in skincare?

An emulsifier made from sorbitol and stearic acid, oil-loving in character. It is normally used with a water-loving partner such as a polysorbate, the pair together forming a more stable emulsion than either would alone.

Is Sorbitan Stearate considered safe for skin?

A structural ingredient with no action of its own on skin. It is one of a family of sorbitan esters that differ only in the fatty acid attached, so a product switching between them changes its feel rather than what it does.

RRevelika

A science-forward beauty ingredient encyclopedia. Every entry is written from published research and graded conservatively before it publishes.

Editorial standard

Content is educational, not medical advice. When evidence is uncertain we say so — and we default to caution on pregnancy safety.

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