Sorbitan Tristearate
Ingredient Info
Sorbitan Tristearate is an emulsifier derived from sorbitol (a natural sugar alcohol) and stearic acid (a fatty acid). It helps mix oil and water-based ingredients together in skincare formulations, creating stable, smooth textures.
Benefits
- Stabilizes product texture and prevents separation of oils and water
- Creates smooth, pleasant feel on skin
- Generally mild and well-tolerated by most skin types
Potential concerns
- May cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis reported in patch testing studies (less than 1%)
- Not suitable for those with known sensitivity to sorbitan esters
Science: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded this ingredient is safe for cosmetic use under current practices. Clinical and animal studies show it is generally a minimal to mild skin irritant and non-sensitizing, with very low allergic reaction rates in real-world use.
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