PEG-4 Sorbitan Stearate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Glycosperse S-20, Polysorbate 60 CRS, PEG-3 Sorbitan stearate
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Clean
Sorbitan, monooctadecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs. (4 mol EO average molar ratio)
Effective at 1.0%
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
Locks In Moisture
Wound Healing
Antioxidant Protection
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Synthetic compound combining polyethylene glycol with sorbitan (a sorbitol derivative) and stearic acid, developed mid-20th century. Created as a mild, non-ionic emulsifier for cosmetics.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.00025%
2.0%
0%3%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 0.25-2 | 0.5-2 | 0.00025-1.5
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR