How we scored it
Where it comes from
Sorbitan comes from dehydrated sorbitol esterified with coconut fatty acids, then ethoxylated with 20 mol petrochemical ethylene oxide. Structurally equivalent to Polysorbate 20.
In plain English
A cleansing and emulsifying ingredient made from a sugar derivative esterified with coconut fatty acids, then combined with ethylene oxide, a petroleum-based building block.
CosIng definition: 1,4-Anhydro-D-glucitol, monoester with coconut fatty acids, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivatives (20 mol EO average molar ratio)
Natural alternatives with the same function
A waxy fatty acid from peanut and other vegetable oils, used to thicken formulas and give creams and…
Arachidyl Glucoside 100% natural originA gentle, sugar-based emulsifier used in creams and lotions to stabilize formulas without harsh surfactants. It's made from…
Behenic Acid 100% natural originA long-chain fatty acid from vegetable oil, used to thicken and stabilise creams and conditioners. It is extracted…
C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside 100% natural originA mild, sugar-based cleansing and emulsifying surfactant made by combining plant-derived fatty alcohols (coconut/palm) with glucose from starch.…
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside 100% natural originA mild, sugar-based cleansing ingredient made from coconut or palm fatty alcohols and glucose; helps cleanse skin and…
C18-36 Acid 100% natural originA blend of long-chain plant fatty acids used as a mild cleanser and thickener, giving body and a…
References
- 1ISO 16128-1:2016 and ISO 16128-2:2017 — Guidelines on technical definitions and criteria for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients and products. ISO, Geneva.
- 2PEG-20 SORBITAN COCOATE. CosIng — European Commission cosmetic ingredient database. ec.europa.eu/cosing ↗
- 3PEG-20 SORBITAN COCOATE. CosIng u2014 European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/search?search=PEG-20%20SORBITAN%20COCOATE