murphyPEG-3 Sorbitan Oleate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan Monooleate Ethoxylate
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginTypically derived from plant oils such as coconut, palm kernel, or soybean oils as starting materials. Synthesized through polyethylene glycol (PEG) chain attachment and esterification with sorbitan and oleic acid.
Sorbitan, mono-9-octadecenoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs., (Z)- (3 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
9005-65-6
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Emulsifier
Mixes Oil & Water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
3
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
CIR's newest survey reports no concentration of use.
CIR · 2014 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR