Sorbeth-40 Tetraisostearate

AKA: Sorbitan Polysorbate Ester

Plant-Derived

Cleanser

Emulsifier

Not Clean

OriginDerived from sorbitol (a glucose-derived polyol) and isostearic acid, a long-chain fatty acid. Produced through ethoxylation and esterification to create a polyethylene glycol-based ester surfactant.

D-Glucitol, ethoxylated, tetraisooctadecanoate (40 mol EO average molar ratio)

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

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

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.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

Restricted By

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

Concentration Guide

CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.

CIR · report published 2015

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR