Sorbitan Cocoate

AKA: Span 43, Coconut Oil Sorbitan Ester
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Tree Nut (Coconut)
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Fatty acids, coco, monoesters with sorbitan
CAS #
68154-36-9
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Surfactant Emulsifying
Improves Elasticity
Moisturizing
Boosts Collagen
Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
Synthetic emulsifier developed in the mid-20th century as part of the sorbitan ester family. Designed to emulsify and stabilize cosmetic formulations using sorbitol combined with coconut oil-derived fatty acids.
EWG
3
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
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