Sorbitan stearate is an essential ingredient in many lotions and other skin-care products.
Contents
Uses
It acts as a humectant to bind moisture, thicken the product, and stabilize the mixture of water and oils. This stabilization effect is why sorbitan stearate is known as an emulsifier — it allows two liquids, which normally would not blend, to form a stable mix called an emulsion. Many everyday products use this to keep a cream base from breaking apart during long-term storage in vials, jars, and bottles.
Benefits
The compound is also used in some cosmetics. Sorbitan stearate can act as a binding agent for cream-based cosmetics, such as cream eyeshadow or liquid foundation. It can also act as a moisturizing agent to reduce the dehydrating effects caused by repeated use of some cosmetics, and to reduce skin flaking caused by wearing makeup over long periods of time. Lotion-based medical treatments and salves, such as athlete’s foot medications, may also include some form of sorbitol-based emulsifier.
Caution
Sorbitan stearate has a low risk of allergic reaction and is generally considered a gentle substance, safe for topical use. Some users have reported skin reactions, including irritation, redness, and hives. These reactions are usually mild, rare, and treatable by conventional methods. Many baby products use the compound, and little to no adverse effect has been reported on infant skin.
The Environment Canada Domestic Substance List has raised concerns about sorbitan stearate as a possible environmental toxin. Many cosmetic products identify the compound as an environmentally-safe plant emulsifier, however. Other, non-naturally derived stearates may pose issues with water pollution or environmental toxicity — such as glycol stearate, which combines natural stearate alcohols with toxic ethylene glycol to produce sheened, pearl-like textures in products like shampoos.
Interactions
None are recorded.
Other names
E 491
Reference
Source: WiseGeek, http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-sorbitan-stearate.htm
Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorbitan_monostearate