Sorbitan Laurate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Sorbitan monolaurate, Monododecanoate, Anhydrosorbitol monolaurate, Laurate de sorbitan, Arlacel 20, Sorbitani lauras, Glycomul L, Glycomul LC, Alkamuls SML
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Clean
Sorbitan monolaurate is a small molecule drug. Sorbitan monolaurate has a monoisotopic molecular weight of 346.24 Da.
Effective at 5.0%
Formula
C18H34O6
Mol. Weight
346.50
CAS #
1338-39-2
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
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
A synthetic emulsifier created from sorbitol and lauric acid (from coconut or palm oil). Developed in the mid-20th century for use in cosmetics and personal care products.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
3e-05%
10.0%
0%100%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 1-1.5 | 0.00003-3 | 0.1-10
Regulatory Agencies
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: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR