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Comprehensive Cosmetic Industry Ingredient Guide

THIS IS A UNIVERSAL REFERENCE GUIDE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES

THE INGRIDIENT BELOW IS NOT USED IN MITOSKIN FORMULATION UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE

Ingredient
Sorbitan Stearate

Sorbitan Stearate

Summary

Sorbitan Stearate is a versatile cosmetic ingredient that is commonly used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickener in a wide range of personal care products. It is derived from sorbitol and stearic acid, and is known for its ability to improve the texture and consistency of creams, lotions, and other formulations. Sorbitan Stearate is also valued for its moisturizing properties, which help to keep skin hydrated and supple. As a non-ionic surfactant, it is gentle on the skin and is well-tolerated by most individuals. Overall, Sorbitan Stearate is a valuable ingredient for formulators looking to create high-quality, effective, and safe cosmetic products.

INCI Name and Common References

INCI Name: Sorbitan Stearate Common Terms: Emulsifier, Surfactant Nicknames: None commonly used

Function

Sorbitan Stearate is an emulsifier and stabilizer commonly used in cosmetic formulations. It helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients together, creating a smooth and consistent texture. It also helps to prevent the separation of ingredients over time, ensuring that the product remains stable and effective. Additionally, Sorbitan Stearate can act as a thickener, giving the product a more luxurious and creamy feel. Overall, Sorbitan Stearate plays an important role in creating effective and aesthetically pleasing cosmetic formulations.

Science

Sorbitan stearate is a nonionic surfactant that is commonly used as an emulsifier in various cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. It is composed of sorbitol, a sugar alcohol, and stearic acid, a fatty acid. The hydrophilic (water-loving) sorbitol portion of the molecule interacts with water, while the hydrophobic (water-repelling) stearic acid portion interacts with oils and fats. This allows sorbitan stearate to stabilize emulsions by forming a barrier between the oil and water phases, preventing them from separating. Additionally, sorbitan stearate can also act as a thickener and viscosity enhancer in formulations.

Benefits

Sorbitan Stearate is a skincare ingredient that offers a range of benefits to users. Some of the key highlights include its ability to act as an emulsifier, helping to blend oil and water-based ingredients together for a smooth and even texture. It also has moisturizing properties, helping to hydrate and nourish the skin. Additionally, Sorbitan Stearate can help to improve the texture and appearance of the skin, leaving it looking smoother and more radiant. Overall, this ingredient is a great choice for those looking to improve the health and appearance of their skin.

Negatives

Sorbitan Stearate is a commonly used ingredient in many cosmetic and personal care products. While it is generally considered safe for use, there are some potential side effects, sensitivities, and interactions that should be taken into consideration. One possible side effect of Sorbitan Stearate is skin irritation. This can occur in individuals who are sensitive to the ingredient or who have pre-existing skin conditions. Symptoms of skin irritation may include redness, itching, and swelling. Another potential sensitivity to Sorbitan Stearate is an allergic reaction. This can occur in individuals who have a known allergy to the ingredient or who have a history of allergic reactions to other similar ingredients. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Sorbitan Stearate may also interact with other ingredients in a product. For example, it may interact with certain preservatives or emulsifiers, which can affect the stability and efficacy of the product. It is important to carefully review the ingredients list of any product containing Sorbitan Stearate to ensure that there are no potential interactions. Overall, Sorbitan Stearate is a safe and effective ingredient when used properly. However, individuals with sensitive skin or allergies should exercise caution when using products containing this ingredient, and it is always important to carefully review the ingredients list of any product before use.

Source

Sorbitan Stearate is a synthetic ingredient that is derived from sorbitol, a natural sugar alcohol that is found in fruits and berries. Sorbitan Stearate is created by combining sorbitol with stearic acid, a fatty acid that is commonly found in animal and vegetable fats. The processing pathway for Sorbitan Stearate involves several steps. First, sorbitol is converted into sorbitan by reacting it with fatty acids. Then, sorbitan is esterified with stearic acid to create Sorbitan Stearate. The final product is a white, waxy substance that is used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in a variety of food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products.

Safety

Sorbitan Stearate has a low hazard rating of 1-2 on the EWG Skin Deep database, indicating that it is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products. It has also been approved for use by the FDA and is considered safe for use in food products. However, as with any ingredient, individuals with sensitive skin or allergies may want to exercise caution and perform a patch test before using products containing Sorbitan Stearate. Overall, Sorbitan Stearate has a good safety rating and is considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products.

Sustainability

Sorbitan Stearate is a common ingredient used in many cosmetic and personal care products, including lotions, creams, and makeup. It is a type of emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients together, creating a smooth and consistent texture. In terms of its environmental impact, Sorbitan Stearate is generally considered to be a safe and low-risk ingredient. It is biodegradable and does not accumulate in the environment, meaning that it does not pose a significant threat to wildlife or ecosystems. However, like all ingredients, it is important to use Sorbitan Stearate in moderation and to dispose of it properly to minimize any potential environmental impact. When it comes to ethical sourcing practices, Sorbitan Stearate is typically derived from plant-based sources such as palm oil or coconut oil. Unfortunately, the production of palm oil has been linked to deforestation, habitat destruction, and human rights abuses in some parts of the world. As a result, many companies are now working to source their palm oil from sustainable and ethical sources, such as those certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). Overall, Sorbitan Stearate is a relatively safe and low-impact ingredient that is commonly used in many cosmetic and personal care products. While there are some concerns around the sourcing of its plant-based ingredients, many companies are taking steps to ensure that they are using sustainable and ethical sources.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sorbitan Stearate is a versatile ingredient that functions as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickener in various food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products. Its safety has been established by regulatory agencies, and it is generally recognized as safe for consumption and topical use. Sorbitan Stearate is derived from natural sources such as sorbitol and stearic acid, making it a sustainable ingredient. While it offers several benefits, including improved texture and shelf life, it may have some negative effects on sensitive skin. Overall, Sorbitan Stearate is a valuable ingredient that plays a crucial role in the formulation of many products.

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