Very Disliked
Sorbitan Stearate
May feed Fungal Acne
Non-fungal acne-safe products contain ingredients that can worsen fungal acne. If you suspect fungal acne, consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis.
Explained
Sorbitan Stearate is an emulsifier made by reacting sorbitol with stearic acid.
It's mostly used to keep oil and water mixed so your formulas stay smooth and stable.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review has found 4% of this ingredient in repeat-insult patch tests on humans to be non-sensitizing. There is a caveat that some reactions have shown up in patients with damaged or diseased skin.
Because it is an ester of a C18 fatty acid, it falls into the C11-24 range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize. This means this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
See all 1,940 products with Sorbitan Stearate
What it does
Emulsifying
The act of emulsion: a suspension of small globules of one liquid in a second liquid with which the first will not mix
Prevalence
Uncommon
Percentage of products that contain it
1.5%
Top categories
Moisturizers
Makeup
Treatments
Position
Predominant list placement
Top 25%
Concentration
Concentrations we've seen
2% to
4%
References
CosIng Data
CosIng ID
38187
INCI Name
SORBITAN STEARATE
INN Name
sorbitan stearate
EC #
 215-664-9
All Functions
Emulsifying
