Ingredient Directory
Low ConcernVegan

Sorbitan Stearate

Sorbitan monooctadecanoate

Safety Flags
Allergen: None identified
Safety Notes

Non-ethoxylated sorbitan ester; no 1,4-dioxane concern. CIR and FDA GRAS status confirm strong safety profile. Biodegradable and well-tolerated. Commonly used as co-emulsifier with polysorbates.

Function & Common Use

Function

Emulsifier, Surfactant

Category

Emulsifier

Common In

W/O emulsions, creams, lotions, food products

Origin

Semi-synthetic

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

No limit

EU Cosmetics Reg.

No limit

US FDA (21 CFR)

No limit

Korea (MFDS)

No limit

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sorbitan Stearate safe to use in skincare?

Sorbitan Stearate has a Low concern rating from The Clean Sheet. Non-ethoxylated sorbitan ester; no 1,4-dioxane concern. CIR and FDA GRAS status confirm strong safety profile. Biodegradable and well-tolerated. Commonly used as co-emulsifier with polysorbates.

Is Sorbitan Stearate allowed in India?

Sorbitan Stearate is currently classified as "Permitted under India Cosmetics Rules 2020; no restriction listed" under Indian cosmetics regulations. No concentration limit is specified for India.

What is Sorbitan Stearate used for in cosmetics?

Sorbitan Stearate functions as: Emulsifier, Surfactant. It is commonly found in: W/O emulsions, creams, lotions, food products.

Can Sorbitan Stearate cause an allergic reaction?

Yes. Sorbitan Stearate has an allergen flag (None identified). If you have sensitive skin or known fragrance/contact allergies, patch-test products containing this ingredient before full use.

TCS Assessment
Low Concern
Data Confidence
High
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Permitted under India Cosmetics Rules 2020; no restriction listed
EU
Permitted; listed in EU CosIng; no annex restriction
US FDA
Permitted; GRAS as food additive (21 CFR 172.842); CIR concluded safe for cosmetic use
Korea (MFDS)
Permitted cosmetic ingredient under MFDS Positive List
Australia (TGA)
Permitted cosmetic ingredient
Canada (NHPID)
Permitted cosmetic ingredient

EU Annex: None

Identifiers

CAS1338-41-6
EC215-664-9

Want to check if your product contains Sorbitan Stearate?

Analyse a Product
WhatsApp Community

Join The Clean Sheet™ community

Science-backed beauty tips, ingredient alerts, and early access. Straight to your WhatsApp.

Join for free →