Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate is an ethoxylated sorbitol-oleic acid ester that acts as a mild, nonionic surfactant and emulsifier. It's used in cleansers and creams to disperse oils, improve rinse-off, and stabilize oil-in-water systems.
A mild emulsifier that helps cleansers lift away makeup and oil.
Category
Cleansing, Emulsifying
Type
Emulsifier
Ingredient Ratings
Overall Rating
Good
Comedogenic Risk
None
Skin Benefits
It lifts makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum while maintaining a comfortable skin feel, and promotes uniform, silky application with minimal residue.
Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics
It's often included in oil-to-milk cleansers, cleansing balms, milky face washes, and lightweight lotions for smooth texture and easy removal.
Comedogenic Rating
This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.
Safety
It's typically well tolerated with low irritation potential, especially in rinse-off formats. Those sensitive to surfactants or PEG derivatives should patch test.
Is Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate a Good Ingredient?
It rates Good as a reliable nonionic solubilizer and emulsifier that disperses oils and rinses clean with generally low irritation in leave-on and rinse-off products. Its stable performance across pH and electrolytes supports the rating, though it doesn't offer any treatment-level benefit that would push it higher.