SORBITAN OLEATE
Sorbitan Oleate is an ester made from sorbitol-derived compounds and oleic acid, a fatty acid. It may also be called sorbitan monooleate or Span 80; these names refer to the same family of substances used to bring together components that would otherwise tend to separate.
SORBITAN OLEATE: what it is
Sorbitan Oleate is an ester made from sorbitol-derived compounds and oleic acid, a fatty acid. It may also be called sorbitan monooleate or Span 80; these names refer to the same family of substances used to bring together components that would otherwise tend to separate.
The word "oleate" identifies the portion related to oleic acid. It does not mean that the ingredient is a whole vegetable oil or free oleic acid. Sorbitan Oleate is prepared as a distinct ingredient with an affinity for both oily and watery phases, so it should not be mistaken for a plant oil or butter.
SORBITAN OLEATE: what it does in cosmetics
Sorbitan Oleate works as an emulsifying surfactant. In everyday terms, it helps oil and water form a uniform mixture instead of separating into layers, which is useful when a cosmetic product depends on a stable emulsion.
Its contribution is to the formula rather than a stand-alone skin treatment. By helping the components stay mixed, it supports a more even appearance and application from the package to the moment the product is spread. Scientific safety assessments describe sorbitan esters predominantly as emulsifying agents in cosmetics.
Products containing this ingredient
See which products include it and the name used in each composition.
