PEG-3 Sorbitan Stearate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Peg-4 sorbitan stearate, Glycosperse S-20, Polysorbate 60 CRS
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Sorbitan, monooctadecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs. (3 mol EO average molar ratio)
Formula
C32H62O10
Mol. Weight
606.80
CAS #
9005-67-8
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
Traditional Use
A synthetic polyethylene glycol-sorbitan ester created as a mild surfactant and emulsifier. Developed to provide gentle cleansing and product stability in modern cosmetics.
EWG
3
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
Industry max
Industry typically uses up to 1.5% in leave-on products (2 products reported). Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 696).
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR