Sorbeth-40 Hexaoleate

AKA: Sorbitan Polysorbate Ester

Synthetic

Cleanser

Not Clean

D-Glucitol, ethoxylated, hexaesters with 9-(Z)-octadecenoic acid (40 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

Synthetic emulsifier developed in the mid-20th century as part of the polysorbate family. Created to stabilize complex multi-oil formulations in cosmetics and skincare products.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

Restricted By

Credo Beauty Whole Foods Premium Body Care Beauty Heroes MADE SAFE EWG VERIFIED

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 Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewednone on file

⚖️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