Clear glass Erlenmeyer flask partially filled with water on a pale gray surface.

The Beauty & Personal Care Brand Builder Series

Ingredient Deep Dive

Sorbitan Isostearate

The Beauty & Personal Care Brand Builder Series

Ingredient Deep Dive

Sorbitan Isostearate

A Gentle Sorbitan-Ester Emulsifier

Sorbitan Isostearate is a nonionic emulsifier — the isostearic-acid ester of sorbitol — supplied as a soft, amber liquid to paste.

It is a low-HLB (water-in-oil) / co-emulsifier that stabilizes emulsions and gives a smooth, conditioned feel, often paired with higher-HLB partners.

Quick Insights

Ingredient Rating:

GOOD

Type of Ingredient:

Emulsifier

Intended Function:

A nonionic sorbitan-ester emulsifier / co-emulsifier used to stabilize emulsions and wet pigments.

Common Applications:

Used in creams, sun care and color cosmetics.

Target Audience:

Brands needing a gentle nonionic co-emulsifier to stabilize emulsions.

Also Known As:

Sorbitan Isostearate

Benefits of Sorbitan Isostearate

A dependable functional ingredient that does its job elegantly.

Emulsion Stabilizer: A nonionic W/O or co-emulsifier that improves stability.
Smooth Feel: Adds a soft, conditioned skin feel.
Pigment Wetting: Helps disperse pigments in color and sunscreen.
Gentle & Nonionic: Mild and broadly compatible.
Versatile Partner: Balances HLB in emulsifier systems.

How It Works

As a nonionic sorbitan ester with a low HLB, it locates at the oil-water interface and stabilizes emulsions (especially water-in-oil), and helps wet pigments — commonly combined with a higher-HLB emulsifier to fine-tune a system.

Formulating with Sorbitan Isostearate

Oil-phase; pair with a higher-HLB co-emulsifier and adjust ratio for the target emulsion type.

Safety Analysis

Sorbitan Isostearate is a mild, well-tolerated nonionic emulsifier. Substantiate the finished product (patch / HRIPT) per MoCRA.

References

https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/sorbitan-isostearate

https://cosmetics.specialchem.com/inci-ingredients/sorbitan-isostearate

https://cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/sorbitan-isostearate/

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