Sorbeth-2 Cocoate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polysorbate Coconut Oil, Coconut Ester
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Tree Nut (Coconut)
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Sorbeth-2 Cocoate is the ester of the fatty acids derived from coconut oil and a polyethylene glycol ether of sorbitol
Effective at 0.7%
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
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Developed as a synthetic polysorbate derivative in the 20th century. Used as an emulsifier and solubilizer in skincare and personal care 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-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