Rate My SPF

Sorbitan Stearate

What Sorbitan Stearate is & what it does

A mild, often plant-derived co-emulsifier that helps blend oil and water and adds body to creams. It contributes a smooth, stable texture.

What is Sorbitan Stearate and what does it do in sunscreen?

Sorbitan Stearate is a mild, often plant-derived co-emulsifier. It helps blend the oil and water phases of a sunscreen and adds body to the cream, contributing a smooth, stable texture. It is usually paired with a partner emulsifier rather than working alone.

Is Sorbitan Stearate safe?

Yes. It is made by joining sorbitol (a sugar alcohol) with stearic acid, both common and well-tolerated cosmetic ingredients, and the related sorbitan esters are also cleared for use in food. It is used at low levels in the structure of a cream and is considered non-irritating for most people.

Does Sorbitan Stearate clog pores?

Generally no. It is not flagged as comedogenic in our data and acts as an emulsifier holding the formula together rather than a heavy oil sitting on the skin. If a product breaks you out, the richer emollients and oils in it are the more likely cause.

Is Sorbitan Stearate fungal-acne safe?

Mostly, with one caveat. It is a sorbitan ester, and the malassezia yeast behind fungal acne can potentially feed on its fatty part, so people prone to fungal acne may prefer to avoid it. For everyone else it is harmless. This is one narrow skin concern rather than a general safety issue.

What else is Sorbitan Stearate called?

Sorbitan Stearate is the INCI name on the label, and it is the same material known in food as the additive E491. It belongs to the sorbitan ester family, alongside relatives like sorbitan olivate and sorbitan oleate. It usually appears in the middle of an ingredient list among the other emulsifiers.

Sunscreens with Sorbitan Stearate

We rate 249 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

← All ingredients