Sorbitan Palmitate

What Sorbitan Palmitate is & what it does

Sorbitan Palmitate is an ester of sorbitol and palmitic acid, a fatty acid. It is commonly used as a non-ionic emulsifier and surfactant, helping to keep the oil and water phases of a cream or lotion blended together. It also contributes to a stable, smooth texture and is often combined with polysorbates to fine-tune emulsion balance.

What does Sorbitan Palmitate do in skincare?

Sorbitan Palmitate is commonly used as a non-ionic emulsifier and surfactant. It helps keep the oil and water parts of a cream or lotion blended into a smooth, stable texture, and it is often paired with polysorbates to balance the emulsion.

Is Sorbitan Palmitate safe?

Sorbitan Palmitate is a widely used emulsifier and is generally regarded as safe at the levels used in cosmetics. It is considered non-irritating for most people, though as with any ingredient very sensitive skin can respond differently.

Is Sorbitan Palmitate vegan?

Sorbitan Palmitate is made from sorbitol and palmitic acid, both of which are typically sourced from plants. The palmitic acid can in principle come from animal fats, so a brand confirmation is the best way to verify vegan status for a specific product.

Sunscreens with Sorbitan Palmitate

We rate 69 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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