Sorbeth-160 Tristearate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polysorbate Tristearate, Thickener
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Not Clean
D-Glucitol, ethoxylated, triester with octadecanoic acid (120 mol EO average molar ratio)
Effective at 0.7%
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.
Cleansing Surfactant
Removes Impurities
Traditional Use
A synthetic emulsifying agent developed in the cosmetics industry during the 20th century. Used to blend incompatible ingredients and create stable, smooth-textured products.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.5%
0.9%
0%1%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 0.5-0.9
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR