Ingredient
Sorbitan Oleate
Span 80
Sorbitan monooleate
What it is
A nonionic emulsifier made from sorbitol and oleic acid, used to blend oil and water phases in creams and lotions.
How it works
Its sorbitan head and oleic-acid tail sit at the oil-water interface, forming stable water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions.
What it does
Surfactant
Emulsifier
Concerns to know
-
Well tolerated
No significant safety concern is reported for this ingredient as used in cosmetics.