PEG-40 Sorbitan Diisostearate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polysorbate 40 derivative, PEG sorbitan diisostearate
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
1,4-Anhydro-D-glucitol, diisooctadecanoates, ethoxylated (40 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
-
Form
Liquid
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Antioxidant Protection
Wound Healing
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a synthetic emulsifier combining sorbitan (derived from sorbitol, a sugar alcohol) with polyethylene glycol and isostearic acid. Designed for stable oil-in-water emulsification in cosmetics.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
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: CosIng · EWG · CIR