Sorbitan Trioleate
What Sorbitan Trioleate is & what it does
Sorbitan Trioleate is an oily, non-ionic ester made from sorbitol and oleic acid (a fatty acid). In cosmetic formulas it works mainly as an emulsifier and surfactant, helping oil and water phases stay blended and keeping pigments or other ingredients evenly dispersed. It has a low HLB value, so it is typically paired with a higher-HLB co-emulsifier in water-in-oil systems, and it lends a soft, emollient feel. It is generally considered well tolerated and is a common component of stable creams and lotions.
What is Sorbitan Trioleate?
Sorbitan Trioleate is an oily ester made from sorbitol and oleic acid. It is a non-ionic emulsifier and surfactant used to keep oil and water phases blended in creams and lotions.
What does Sorbitan Trioleate do in skincare?
It works mainly as an emulsifier, stabilizing the mix of oil and water and helping keep pigments and other ingredients evenly dispersed. It also lends a soft, emollient feel, and because of its low HLB it is usually paired with a co-emulsifier.
Is Sorbitan Trioleate safe?
Sorbitan Trioleate is generally considered safe and well tolerated as a cosmetic emulsifier. It is a long-established formulation ingredient used at functional levels in creams and lotions.
Sunscreens with Sorbitan Trioleate
We rate 5 sunscreens that contain it:
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Make Up Forever Step 1 Primer UV Protector SPF 50
88/100
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Jean D'Arcel Solaire SPF 30
85/100
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Sunmax Sensitive FPS 30
84/100
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Farm Stay Citrus Vitalizing Sun Cream SPF 50+ Pa++++
76/100
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Derma E Vitamin C Weightless Moisturizer SPF 45
68/100