Snapshot
- Overview
- An olive-derived emulsifier that leaves skin feeling soft and smooth.
- Category
- Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
- Type
- Emulsifier
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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By the numbers
Sorbitan Olivate in our database
Calculated from the 1,109 products we track · updated November 2026.
36
products contain it (3% of the 1,109 we track)
#12
typical spot in the ingredient list
$3–$99
price range
Most common in
Often paired with
Our take
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.
What it does
Skin Benefits
It leaves a soft, conditioned afterfeel and smooth glide without tackiness, supporting a lightweight finish suitable for daily wear.
Where you'll find it
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.
Before you use it
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.
Products with Sorbitan Olivate
