Sorbitan Oleate
molecular structure · PubChem
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
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
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
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a synthetic emulsifier derived from sorbitol and oleic acid. Designed to replace traditional soap-based emulsifiers and provide more stable oil-in-water emulsions in cosmetics.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR