What it is
Sorbitan laurate is produced by esterifying sorbitan with lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid. As a non-ionic surfactant with a relatively hydrophilic character among the sorbitan esters, it helps form and stabilize emulsions and improve the spread of creams and lotions. It is often paired with polysorbates or other sorbitan esters to fine-tune emulsion stability.
Safety & warnings
Sorbitan laurate has a long record of use as a cosmetic emulsifier and is generally considered well tolerated and low in irritation potential at typical use levels. It is not a recognized fragrance allergen. As with other surfactants, very sensitive skin may occasionally react, and high surfactant loads can contribute to mild dryness.
Origin & sourcing
Made by combining sorbitan, derived from plant-sourced sorbitol, with lauric acid, which is commonly obtained from coconut or palm kernel oil or produced synthetically.
Questions everyone asks
Why is sorbitan laurate used in sunscreens?
It works as a non-ionic emulsifier and stabilizer, helping keep the water and oil phases evenly mixed so the product applies smoothly.
Is sorbitan laurate the same as polysorbate 20?
No. Polysorbate 20 is the ethoxylated derivative; sorbitan laurate is the simpler, non-ethoxylated sorbitan ester, though both share the lauric acid portion.