Sorbitan Oleate — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: SORBITAN OLEATE
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 1338-43-8
- Category
- emulsifier
- Risk Level
- low
- Common Allergen
- No
- Found In
- cream, ointment
Is Sorbitan Oleate safe in cosmetics?
Sorbitan Oleate is rated low risk in cosmetic products. It is not classified as a common allergen and is generally well-tolerated by most skin types. Commonly found in cream, ointment.
What is Sorbitan Oleate?
Sorbitan Oleate is a emulsifier commonly used in cosmetic and personal care products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics at recommended concentrations.
Allergy & Safety Information
Sorbitan Oleate is considered safe for cosmetic use. No significant safety concerns have been identified at typical use concentrations. As with any cosmetic ingredient, discontinue use if irritation occurs.
This ingredient is considered low risk from an allergenicity perspective. Reactions are uncommon at typical cosmetic use concentrations. However, no ingredient is universally safe — if you notice redness, itching, or irritation after using a product containing this ingredient, discontinue use and monitor whether symptoms resolve.
About Emulsifier Ingredients
Emulsifiers allow oil and water to mix stably in a formulation, creating creams and lotions. They work by surrounding oil droplets with molecules that are compatible with both water and oil. Most emulsifiers have low sensitisation rates, but some — particularly PEG-derived emulsifiers — can be problematic for barrier-compromised skin.
Relevance for Sorbitan Oleate: Emulsifiers can disrupt the skin's own lipid barrier through a process called emulsification of skin lipids. For very sensitive or eczema-prone skin, emulsifier-free moisturisers (ointments, oils) are sometimes better tolerated than emulsion-based creams.
How to Identify Sorbitan Oleate in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Sorbitan Oleate, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Cream, Ointment. These product categories are the most common sources of Sorbitan Oleate exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Sorbitan Oleate? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Sorbitan Oleate and other allergens automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sorbitan Oleate safe for sensitive skin?
Sorbitan Oleate is generally well-tolerated, even by sensitive skin types.
What products contain Sorbitan Oleate?
Sorbitan Oleate is commonly found in cream, ointment.
What does Sorbitan Oleate do in cosmetics?
Sorbitan Oleate functions as a emulsifier in formulations.
Related Guides
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