CAS number 1338-43-8
INCI name Sorbitan Monooleate
Sorbitan Oleate is a widely used emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and conditioning agent in skincare products. Derived from vegetable sources, it is primarily oil-loving and serves as a wetting and dispersing agent. It helps facilitate the mixing of water and oil, making it an effective co-emulsifier for lotions and other emulsions. This ingredient is a viscous liquid, ranging in color from yellow to brown.
Purpose
Sorbitan Oleate is an effective emollient that softens and hydrates the skin without greasiness. It acts as an emulsion stabilizer, preventing the separation of oil and water phases, ensuring product consistency. Additionally, it conditions the skin, improving texture and enhancing spreadability for smoother, softer skin.
Origin
Sorbitan Oleate is produced through a condensation reaction between oleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid, and sorbitol. This results in a molecule that is partly water-soluble (from the sorbitan component) and partly oil-soluble (from the oleic acid component).
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Sorbitan Oleate |
| Type | Surfactant, emulsifier |
| Source | Synthetic |
| PH | 6-7 |
| Solubility | Soluble in oils, insoluble in water |
| Concentration | 1-10% |
| Physical state | Viscous liquid |
| Color | Yellow to amber |
| Odor | Slight, characteristic |
Low HLB Value
The Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) value of Sorbitan Oleate is low, indicating that it is more lipophilic (oil-loving) than hydrophilic (water-loving). This makes it an ideal emulsifier for creating oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, which are commonly used in products like lotions, creams, and hair care formulations. The lower HLB value also provides better performance in stabilizing oil-rich formulations.
Mild and Non-Irritating
Sorbitan Oleate is gentle on the skin, making it a preferred choice for sensitive skin formulations. Unlike harsher surfactants, it doesn’t cause irritation or dryness, making it suitable for personal care products like baby lotions, sunscreens, and sensitive skin moisturizers.
Natural and Biodegradable
As an ester of sorbitol (a sugar alcohol) and oleic acid (a fatty acid derived from vegetable oils), Sorbitan Oleate has a relatively natural origin. This makes it more biodegradable and less harmful to the environment compared to synthetic emulsifiers, appealing to eco-conscious consumers and brands that prioritize sustainability.
Improves Spreadability and Sensory Feel
Sorbitan Oleate contributes to a silky, smooth texture and enhances the spreadability of the product on the skin. This sensory benefit is essential in formulations like lotions, creams, and oils, ensuring a pleasant application experience. It also helps in the even distribution of the product, preventing streaks or patches when applied.
Moisture Retention
When used in formulations like moisturizers and body butters, Sorbitan Oleate helps create a barrier on the skin that locks in moisture. This makes it highly beneficial in products designed to combat dry skin, as it provides long-lasting hydration and prevents moisture loss from the skin.
Emulsion Stability
One of its most significant functions is its ability to stabilize emulsions. Sorbitan Oleate prevents phase separation in formulations, ensuring that the oil and water components remain evenly mixed over time. This makes it a critical ingredient in products where stability is a concern, such as sunscreens, foundations, and other emulsions that need to remain consistent throughout their shelf life.
Versatile Use in Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals
Sorbitan Oleate is widely used in various cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. It is commonly found in creams, lotions, balms, hair care products, and makeup. Beyond cosmetics, it is used in some topical pharmaceutical applications, where its emulsifying and stabilizing properties are key in delivering active ingredients to the skin in a stable and effective manner.
Enhanced Performance with Other Emulsifiers
Often used in combination with other emulsifiers (like Sorbitan Monostearate or Polysorbates), Sorbitan Oleate improves the overall effectiveness of emulsification in complex formulations. It helps balance the oil-to-water ratio and enhances the performance of mixed surfactants, making it adaptable for various product formulations.
Wide Temperature Stability
Sorbitan Oleate is stable at a broad range of temperatures, typically up to around 200°C, which allows it to be used in products that undergo heat processing, such as hot-fill systems for lotions or creams. Its heat sensitivity is higher compared to some more delicate emulsifiers, giving formulators more flexibility in production.
Low Toxicity and Safe for Use
It is considered non-toxic, non-irritating, and generally safe for use in cosmetic and personal care products, as well as some food and pharmaceutical formulations. This contributes to its popularity in clean beauty and natural skincare lines, where safe ingredients are a key selling point.
Applications of Sorbitan Oleate
Moisturizers and Creams
Sorbitan Oleate is commonly used in moisturizers, body lotions, and facial creams. It helps to emulsify oil and water-based ingredients, improving the texture and ensuring a smooth, non-greasy feel while providing long-lasting hydration. It also creates a barrier that locks moisture into the skin.
Sunscreens
In sunscreen formulations, Sorbitan Oleate plays a key role in stabilizing the emulsion, ensuring that the product maintains its consistency and effectiveness even after exposure to sunlight or heat. It helps distribute the active ingredients evenly, ensuring optimal sun protection.
Hair Care Products
Sorbitan Oleate is used in shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks to improve texture, boost shine, and promote easier application. It helps condition the hair, making it soft and manageable, while ensuring the ingredients remain well-mixed in the formula.
Makeup Products
It is found in foundations, creams, and liquid makeup formulations where its emulsifying properties ensure even distribution of ingredients. Sorbitan Oleate enhances the texture, contributing to a smooth, flawless application while preventing separation of oil and water components.
Lip Balms and Glosses
In lip care products, such as lip balms and glosses, Sorbitan Oleate helps improve the smoothness and spreadability, ensuring an even application and better moisture retention. It also contributes to the overall sensory experience, making the product feel pleasant and comfortable on the lips.
Cleansers and Facial Oils
Sorbitan Oleate is often included in cleansing oils, micellar waters, and makeup removers due to its ability to dissolve and remove oil-based impurities while maintaining the skin’s moisture balance. It helps cleanse the skin without causing dryness or irritation.
Deodorants and Antiperspirants
It is used in deodorant sticks or sprays as an emulsifier to combine oil and water-based ingredients effectively. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for sensitive skin, ensuring the product doesn’t cause irritation while offering long-lasting freshness.
Body Butters and Balms
In thicker formulations like body butters and balms, Sorbitan Oleate enhances the product’s texture, ensuring it spreads easily and evenly across the skin. It also contributes to the product’s ability to lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated throughout the day.
Anti-aging Products
Sorbitan Oleate is often found in anti-aging creams and serums due to its ability to stabilize emulsions and enhance the delivery of active ingredients. It helps create smoother, softer skin while promoting the absorption of other beneficial components like peptides, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid.
Baby Care Products
Due to its gentle, non-irritating properties, Sorbitan Oleate is used in baby lotions, creams, and oils. It helps moisturize and protect the delicate skin of babies without causing any discomfort or reactions, ensuring safe, effective hydration.