murphySorbitan Trioleate
AKA: Anhydrosorbitol trioleate, Span85, Tri-9-octadecenoate, Span-85, Glycomul TO, Liposorb TO, Protachem STO, Arlacel 85, Tri-(9Z)-9-octadecenoate
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginTypically derived from vegetable oils such as soybean, sunflower, or palm oil as starting materials. Produced through esterification of sorbitol with oleic acid under catalytic conditions.
Sorbitan trioleate is a small molecule drug. Sorbitan trioleate has a monoisotopic molecular weight of 956.8 Da.
Formula
C60H108O8
Mol. Weight
957.50
CAS #
26266-58-0
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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
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.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
2 studies / 2 not sensitizing (CIR 196 and 682)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
2 studies / 1 irritating / 1 not irritating / reactions slight (CIR 196 and 682)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
11 studies / 8 irritating / 3 not irritating / reactions slight to moderate (CIR 196 and 682)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.00001–2.5%
Rinse-off1–5%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2014 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR