murphySorbitan Oleate
AKA: Arlacel 80, 1338-43-8, Anhydrosorbitol monooleate, Mono-(9Z)-9-octadecenoate, Oleate de sorbitan, Sorbitan mono-oletae, Mono-9-octadecenoate, Sorbitani oleas
Synthetic
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
OriginDerived from sorbitol, a sugar alcohol typically produced from corn or other plant starches. Synthesized through esterification of sorbitol with oleic acid, a fatty acid from plant oils.
Sorbitan oleate is an emulsifier and clarification agent in food preparations (sugar liquor or juice)
Sorbitan oleate belongs to the family of Pentoses. These are monosaccharides in which the carbohydrate moiety contains five carbon atoms.
Solubility SOL IN MOST MINERAL & VEGETABLE OILS; INSOL IN ACETONE; SLIGHTLY SOL IN ETHER; DISPERSIBLE IN WATER
Formula
C24H44O6
Mol. Weight
428.60
CAS #
1338-43-8
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emulsifier
Mixes Oil & Water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed4 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Eye Irritant
3 studies / 3 not irritating (CIR 196 and 682)
Not a Sensitizer
4 studies / 4 not sensitizing / plus 2 case reports (CIR 196 and 682)
Mixed Phototoxicity Results
Both phototoxic and non-phototoxic results in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 196 and 682)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
13 studies / 9 irritating / 3 mixed / 1 not irritating / reactions minimal to severe (CIR 196 and 682)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.0025–3%
Rinse-off0.013–7%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2014 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR