Sorbitan Stearate (Liposorb S)
Liposorb S is a low HLB emulsifier that is typically combined with a high HLB emulsifier in oil-in-water emulsions.
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What is Sorbitan Stearate?
Sorbitan stearate can be found in berries and other plant debris. To make the molecule, a sugar alcohol called sorbitol is mixed with fatty acids from vegetables to form a natural alcohol.
Sorbitol can be found in corn, plums, and a range of other foods. When sorbitol and fatty acids are combined, a new molecule is produced that retains the humectant properties of sorbitol while also making the alcohol an effective moisturiser and softener for the skin.
| What is it? | Liposorb S is a low HLB emulsifier that is typically combined with a high HLB emulsifier in oil-in-water emulsions. |
|---|---|
| INCI | Sorbitan Stearate |
| Appearance | White to tan waxy solid |
| Texture | Waxy |
| Recommended Usage | 0.5-3% |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water |
| Melting point | 57.0 °C |
| Boiling point | NA |
| pH | NA |
| Aroma | Slight odor |
| Why do we include it in formulations? | Sorbitan stearate is a thickening and stabilising emulsifier used in cosmetics. |
| How to work with it? | It should be melted into items, thus include it in your heated oil phase. |
| Applications | It's mostly used as an emulsifier to keep water and oils blended together. Nonionic surfactant with emulsifying, dispersion, and wetting characteristics. |
| Absorption rate | Slow |
| Strength | Sorbitan stearate is a surfactant made out of the sweetener sorbitol and the naturally occurring fatty acid stearic acid. |
| Weaknesses | If the concentration is high enough, it might cause mild skin irritation. |
| Substitution | NA |
| How to store it? | Stored in a cool, dark and dry place. |
| Shelf life | Sorbitan stearate has a two-year shelf life when properly stored. |
| Type of ingredient | Emulsifying, dispersion, and wetting properties of a non-ionic surfactant. |
|---|---|
| Main benefits | effective moisturiser and softener for the skin. |
| Who should use it | All skin types |
| How often can you use it? | Daily |
| Works well with | Most of the ingredients |
| Doesn't work with | Sorbitan Stearate does not react negatively with any specific substances |
| How to use | Added to your formulation during the oil phase. |
Mechanisms of action
Many lotions and other skin-care products contain sorbitan stearate as an ingredient. It functions as a humectant, binding moisture, thickening the product, and stabilising the water-oil mixture.
Because of its stabilising effect, sorbitan stearate is known as an emulsifier; it allows two liquids that would ordinarily not mix to produce a stable mix known as an emulsion.
When sorbitol and fatty acids combine, a new molecule is formed that retains sorbitol’s humectant qualities while also making the alcohol a good skin moisturiser and softener.
Benefits of Sorbitan Stearate
- Sorbitan stearate is included in a wide range of lotions and other skin-care products.
- It works as a humectant, attracting moisture, thickening the product, and stabilising the water-oil mix.
- Sorbitan stearate is known as an emulsifier because of its stabilising effect; it allows two liquids that would otherwise not mix to form a stable mix called an emulsion.
Side effects of Sorbitan Stearate
Sorbitan stearate is a gentle substance that can be used topically and has a low risk of side effects.
How to use it in formulation?
The ingredient is also found in several cosmetics. Sorbitan stearate can be used as a binding agent in cream-based cosmetics like cream eyeshadow or liquid foundation.
It can also be used as a moisturiser to combat the drying effects of various cosmetics and the flaking caused by wearing makeup for long periods of time. Some sorbitol-based emulsifiers are used in lotions and salves for medicinal purposes, such as athlete’s foot treatments.
Works well with other ingredients
Sorbitan Stearate works well with almost all skincare ingredients.
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