INCI Name Sorbitan Olivate
CAS Number 223706-40-9
Olivem 900 is a natural, versatile ingredient derived from olive oil and sorbitol, commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products. It appears as a waxy, light yellow to beige substance that dissolves in both oil and water. Acting as an emulsifier, it helps blend oil and water-based ingredients to create smooth, stable formulations. Additionally, it moisturizes and soothes dry or irritated skin. Its chemical formula is C24H46O6.
Origin
Sorbitan Olivate is produced by reacting sorbitol, a natural sugar alcohol, with fatty acids extracted from olive oil. This chemical process results in the formation of Sorbitan Olivate.
Purpose
Sorbitan Olivate acts as an effective emulsifier, helping to blend oil and water-based ingredients into a smooth and stable mixture in cosmetic formulations. Additionally, it provides excellent hair conditioning benefits by moisturizing and softening the hair, leaving it smooth, manageable, and healthy-looking.
| Feature | Description |
| Name | Olivem 900 |
| Type | Non-ionic emulsifier |
| Source | Derived from olive oil fatty acids and sorbitol |
| PH | 5.0-7.0 |
| Color | Light yellow to beige |
| Odor | Mild, characteristic |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Concentration | 1% – 5% |
| Physical state | Waxy solid or semi-solid |
| Melting point | 64-70°C |
Natural and Sustainable Origin
Sorbitan Olivate is derived from natural sources by combining sorbitol, a sugar alcohol from fruits and plants, with fatty acids extracted from high-quality olive oil. This natural and renewable origin makes it an eco-friendly choice that supports sustainability and aligns with the growing demand for green, biodegradable cosmetic ingredients.
Chemical Structure and Emulsifying Properties
Olivem 900 ingredient is a non-ionic surfactant with a molecular formula of C24H46O6. It contains both water-attracting (hydrophilic) and oil-attracting (lipophilic) parts, enabling it to reduce surface tension between oil and water. This amphiphilic nature allows Sorbitan Olivate to act as an efficient emulsifier, stabilizing mixtures by forming a protective layer between oil and water phases.
Effective Stabilizer for Emulsions
Sorbitan Olivate excels at stabilizing oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, which are common in creams, lotions, and serums. It prevents phase separation, ensuring a consistent texture and appearance. Additionally, it can be used to form water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions, offering formulators flexibility depending on the product type.
Versatile Solubility for Flexible Formulations
Partially soluble in both water and oil phases, Sorbitan Olivate allows cosmetic formulators to create a wide range of product textures, from light, fast-absorbing lotions to thick, nourishing creams, without compromising stability or feel.
Superior Moisturizing and Skin Conditioning Benefits
Functioning as both a humectant and emollient, Sorbitan Olivate attracts and retains moisture in the skin, helping to soothe dryness and irritation. Its hydrating properties reinforce the skin’s natural barrier, promoting softness, smoothness, and healthy skin appearance.
Gentle and Suitable for Sensitive Skin
Due to its mild, non-ionic nature and natural derivation, Sorbitan Olivate is gentle on the skin, minimizing the risk of irritation or allergic reactions. This makes it ideal for sensitive skin formulations, baby products, and hypoallergenic skincare.
Lightweight Texture and Pleasant Sensory Experience
Sorbitan Olivate imparts a light, silky texture that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. This enhances the sensory profile of products, making them comfortable and pleasant for daily use on both skin and hair.
Enhances Product Stability and Shelf Life
By improving physical and chemical stability, Olivem 900 helps prevent separation, discoloration, and degradation in formulations. Properly stored products containing this ingredient typically enjoy shelf lives of 24 to 36 months, maintaining their quality over time.
Proper Storage Recommendations
To preserve its effectiveness, Sorbitan Olivate should be stored in airtight containers, away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Ideal storage conditions include a cool, dry environment below 25°C (77°F) to avoid degradation that could reduce emulsifying performance.
Wide Range of Cosmetic Applications
Sorbitan Olivate is widely used across many personal care products, including facial moisturizers, sunscreens, body lotions, hair conditioners, makeup, and baby care items. Its multifunctionality supports both product stability and skin conditioning benefits.
Compatibility with Other Ingredients
As a non-ionic emulsifier, Sorbitan Olivate is highly compatible with a wide variety of other ingredients, including oils, silicones, and other emulsifiers. This reduces formulation challenges and allows greater flexibility in designing complex skincare and cosmetic products.
Chemical and pH Stability
Sorbitan Olivate remains stable within a broad pH range (usually 4 to 8) and can tolerate moderate heat during manufacturing. This ensures it performs consistently throughout production and storage, safeguarding product quality.
Environmentally Friendly and Biodegradable
Being biodegradable and plant-derived, Sorbitan Olivate has a minimal environmental impact. Its use supports sustainable product development and meets consumer demand for environmentally responsible cosmetics.
Applications of Sorbitan Olivate in Skincare
Sorbitan Olivate is widely valued in skincare formulations due to its multifunctional properties that enhance product performance and user experience. Its natural origin and gentle profile make it ideal for a broad range of skincare products, including:
Moisturizers and Creams:
Sorbitan Olivate acts as an effective emulsifier and emollient in facial and body moisturizers, helping to create smooth, stable emulsions that deliver hydration. It locks in moisture, soothes dry skin, and improves overall skin softness and elasticity.
Serums and Lotions:
Thanks to its ability to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions, Sorbitan Olivate is perfect for lightweight lotions and serums that absorb quickly without greasy residue. It enhances the sensory feel, leaving skin soft and hydrated.
Sun Protection Products:
In sunscreens and after-sun care, Sorbitan Olivate helps to maintain stable emulsions containing UV filters and active ingredients, improving texture and spreadability while providing hydration to counteract sun-induced dryness.
Sensitive Skin and Baby Care:
Because it is mild and non-irritating, Sorbitan Olivate is commonly used in hypoallergenic and baby skincare formulations. It helps to calm and protect delicate skin while delivering gentle moisturization.
Cleansers and Makeup Removers:
Sorbitan Olivate’s emulsifying properties assist in blending oils and water, making it effective in cleansing products that remove makeup and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture.
Anti-Aging and Repair Creams:
By enhancing the delivery and stability of active ingredients like antioxidants and peptides, Sorbitan Olivate supports anti-aging formulations that hydrate and repair the skin barrier for a youthful appearance.
Hair and Scalp Care Products:
Beyond skincare, Sorbitan Olivate is used in conditioners and scalp treatments to moisturize, soften hair strands, and improve manageability while being gentle on the scalp.
