Rate My SPF

Sorbitan Laurate

What Sorbitan Laurate is & what it does

Sorbitan Laurate is a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier made by combining sorbitol with lauric acid, a fatty acid. In sunscreen and skincare formulas it helps blend oil and water phases into a stable emulsion and can also act as a mild dispersing agent. It is commonly paired with polysorbates to fine-tune the texture of creams and lotions.

Is Sorbitan Laurate safe?

Sorbitan Laurate is a non-ionic emulsifier that is widely used and generally considered safe at the levels found in cosmetics. It is a mild surfactant that helps blend oil and water, and it is not associated with significant irritation for most people. As with any ingredient, sensitive individuals may want to patch test first.

Is Sorbitan Laurate natural or synthetic?

Sorbitan Laurate is best described as semi-synthetic. It is made by combining sorbitol and lauric acid, which can come from natural sources such as plants, but the two are chemically processed together to form the final emulsifier.

Is Sorbitan Laurate comedogenic?

Sorbitan Laurate is generally regarded as low risk for clogging pores when used at normal emulsifier levels. Pore-clogging potential depends heavily on the full formula and your individual skin, so results can vary. If you are prone to breakouts, patch testing a finished product is wise.

Sunscreens with Sorbitan Laurate

We rate 45 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

← All ingredients