Sorbitan Palmate

AKA: Span 40, Palm Oil Sorbitan Ester

Synthetic

Emollient

Emulsifier

Skin Conditioner

Not Clean

Sorbitan Palmate is the monoester of Palm Acid and hexitol anhydrides derived from sorbitol

Effective at 0.6%

CAS #

-

Functions

Emulsion Stabilising

Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.

Emollient

Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.

Locks In Moisture

Traditional Use

A synthetic ester created in the mid-20th century from sorbitol and palmitic acid. Designed as an emulsifier to improve product stability and texture in cosmetic formulations.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

CIR Safety Findings

Not a Sensitizer

medical-approval

all-shades-safe

Concentration Guide

0.45%

0.75%

0%1%

Reported use

CIR reported use: 0.45-0.75

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

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.

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR