Sorbitan Stearate
Also known as Sorbitan Stearate, Sorbitan monostearate, Span 60
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Sorbitan Stearate is the ester of sorbitan and stearic acid, a widely used nonionic emulsifier (HLB ~4.7, water-in-oil type). The CIR Expert Panel first assessed it in 1985 alongside sorbitan laurate, sesquioleate, oleate, tristearate, palmitate, and trioleate (JACT 4(3):65-121), concluding it was safe as used. The 2014 CIR final report reaffirmed the unconditional Safe (S) designation with no qualifying conditions. The 2002 CIR assessment of a related sorbitan ester group (PMID 12042063, IJT 21(S1):93-112) provides corroborating class-level evidence that sorbitan fatty acid esters are generally nontoxic via ingestion, minimal to mild skin irritants, and nonsensitizing in clinical tests.
Nonionic emulsifier compatible with a wide range of cosmetic ingredients
Water-in-oil emulsion type (HLB ~4.7) — useful in rich creams and anhydrous formulations
Derived from sorbitol (sugar alcohol) and stearic acid — natural-origin emulsifier
Unconditional CIR Safe (S) finding — no formulation restrictions required
Typically used at 1-6% in cosmetic formulations
- · One study reported 2.3% incidence of sensitization at 5% concentration in clinical testing, though the overall panel finding was Safe without conditions
- · Historical cocarcinogen findings for sorbitan laurate and trioleate (a related sorbitan ester group) at high systemic doses — not relevant to topical use at typical concentrations
CIR Quick Reference Table (12/2017, revised 07/2018) — SORBITAN STEARATE row: Finding=S, Citation=JACT 4(3):65-121, 1985; Final report 12…
“Sorbitan Stearate | S | | JACT 4(3):65-121, 1985; Final report 12/2014 available from CIR”— QRT-122017revised072018.pdf, p. 125