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Sorbitan Stearate
Sorbitan Stearate
A mixing helper that keeps creams and lotions from separating.
What it does
Made from sorbitol and stearic acid, it mixes well with oil and is usually paired with a partner that mixes well with water, like a polysorbate. Together they keep creams and lotions blended and give them a smooth body.
The evidence, graded
expert consensusUS safety reviewers (2019) judged 20 sorbitan esters, most used to help oil and water mix, safe as used. Their index lists this one under that report. Their 2002 report on sorbitan isostearate and nine related esters found it moderately irritating in one rabbit test. In people, sorbitan esters were generally at most mildly irritating, and allergy was rare (sorbitan sesquioleate caused it in under 1% of patients with suspected skin allergy).Lanigan 2002 · International Journal of Toxicology ↗
Graded per the methodology: strong · moderate · emerging · expert consensus. A weak source on a strong claim gets the weaker label.
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