What it is
This ingredient is a sorbitan ester of coconut-derived fatty acids that has been ethoxylated with about 20 ethylene oxide units, giving it strong water compatibility. The result is a nonionic emulsifier similar in character to polysorbates, well suited to stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions and solubilizing small amounts of oils. In sunscreens it helps produce light, easily spreadable textures.
Safety & warnings
Ethoxylated sorbitan esters are generally well tolerated and widely used as mild emulsifiers. They are not recognized fragrance allergens and are not considered notably comedogenic at typical use levels.
Origin & sourcing
Semi-synthetic; sorbitan reacted with coconut-derived fatty acids and then ethoxylated with polyethylene glycol.
Questions everyone asks
What does PEG-20 Sorbitan Cocoate do?
It is a nonionic emulsifier and mild surfactant that stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions and can solubilize small amounts of oils.
Is it related to polysorbates?
Yes, it is chemically similar, being an ethoxylated sorbitan fatty-acid ester, here based on coconut-derived fatty acids.