What it is
This ingredient is a cross-linked network built from sorbitan oleate and the sugar-based surfactant decyl glucoside, giving a nonionic polymeric emulsifier. It helps form and stabilize emulsions, particularly in mineral sunscreen and other oil-in-water systems, and can contribute to a pleasant skin feel. It is used as a functional emulsification and stabilizing agent rather than a skin active.
Safety & warnings
The component chemistries, sorbitan esters and alkyl glucosides, are generally regarded as mild nonionic surfactants. Decyl glucoside has been reported as an occasional contact sensitizer in a small number of people. The crosspolymer is used at typical emulsifier levels and is not a recognized comedogenic oil.
Origin & sourcing
A synthetic crosspolymer assembled from sorbitan oleate (from sorbitol and oleic acid) and decyl glucoside (from plant-derived sugars and fatty alcohols).
Questions everyone asks
What is its main function?
It serves as a nonionic emulsifier and emulsion stabilizer, helping mineral and oil-in-water formulas stay uniform with a pleasant feel.
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
Its building blocks are generally mild, though the decyl glucoside portion is an occasional sensitizer, so a patch test is reasonable for very reactive skin.