PEG-6 Sorbitan Stearate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyethylene glycol 6 sorbitan stearate, PEG 6 sorbitan stearate
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Sorbitan, monooctadecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs. (6 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
9005-67-8
Form
Liquid
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Surfactant Emulsifying
Moisturizing
Strengthens Barrier
Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
Modern synthetic emulsifier developed in the mid-20th century as part of the Tween and Span surfactant families. Engineered to create stable oil-in-water emulsions in cosmetics.
EWG
3
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-assessed4 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR