Sorbitan Olivate

Sorbitan olivate is a nonionic, oil-soluble emulsifier made from sorbitol and olive-derived fatty acids. It's mainly used to form water-in-oil emulsions and as a co-emulsifier; paired with higher-HLB emulsifiers (e.g., cetearyl olivate), it helps build stable oil-in-water systems.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
An olive-derived emulsifier that leaves skin feeling soft and smooth.
Category
Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Type
Emulsifier

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

It leaves a soft, conditioned afterfeel and smooth glide without tackiness, supporting a lightweight finish suitable for daily wear.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

It's found in rich creams and balms for water-in-oil textures, and in oil-in-water creams and lotions when paired with cetearyl olivate, such as Olivem 1000, to refine texture and afterfeel.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

It carries generally low irritation risk, though sensitive or compromised skin may react at higher use levels. No specific cosmetic restrictions are commonly cited at standard concentrations.

Is Sorbitan Olivate a Good Ingredient?

It rates Good because it builds stable, elegant emulsions with low irritation potential while improving conditioning. Its olive-derived fatty profile improves slip without heavy residue in balanced formulas, which is a solid functional contribution.

Products with Sorbitan Olivate

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