How is Sorbitan Sesquioleate Made?
This ingredient is made by condensing sorbitol with oleic acid. The "sesquioleate" in its name indicates that it is a partial ester structure, with an average of 1.5 oleic acid molecules attached to each sorbitol molecule.
It has an amber appearance. This structure gives it a strong lipophilicity (HLB value of about 3.7) while retaining a mild hydrophilicity, allowing it to stabilize water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions and aid in the dispersion of oils and pigments.
Primary Function in Cosmetic Formulations
As a nonionic surfactant, Sorbitan Sesquioleate performs well in stabilizing high internal phase W/O emulsions, making it an ideal choice for demanding applications in personal care and cosmetics. It ensures smooth product texture, uniform distribution of active ingredients, and long-lasting emulsion stability under various storage conditions.
The product has good compatibility with a wide range of lipophilic emulsifiers, waxes, esters and active ingredients, which can enhance formulation flexibility in different product categories, including skin creams, waterproof sunscreens, foundations, lip balms and skin ointments.
Key Benefits
Its strong lipophilicity (HLB 3.7) enables it to effectively stabilize high internal phase water-in-oil emulsions; it has excellent dispersing ability for oils and pigments, ensuring product uniformity; its non-irritating properties are suitable for sensitive skin formulations; it is compatible with a wide range of ingredients, supports flexible formulations, and is recommended at 0.5%–5%, and is available in 25 kg, 190 kg drums and 500 g sample packaging options for laboratory testing and development.