Sorbitan Caprylate, Sorbitan Cocoate, Sorbitan Diisostearate, Sorbitan Dioleate, Sorbitan Distearate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Sorbitan Sesquistearate and Sorbitan Triisostearate are waxy solids or viscous liquids. These esters are mono-, di-, and triesters of fatty acids and sorbitol.
In cosmetics and personal care products, these ingredients are used in a variety of products including skin care products, moisturizers, cleansing products, and eye and facial makeup.
As a class, sorbitan esters were relatively nontoxic via ingestion in acute and long-term studies. They were generally minimal to mild skin irritants, except that Sorbitan Isostearate applied to the skin was a moderate irritant in one study. Sorbitan esters did not act as sensitizing agents. The fatty acid component, tested alone, typically caused only slight irritation and sensitization, and was not photosensitizing. Sorbitan esters were not ocular irritants. These esters and their corresponding fatty acids were not mutagenic. In clinical tests, sorbitan esters were generally minimal to mild skin irritants and were nonsensitizing, but Sorbitan Sesquioleate did produce an allergic reaction in fewer than 1% of patients with suspected contact dermatitis and addition of Sorbitan Sesquioleate to the components of a fragrance mix used in patch testing increased both irritant and allergic reactions to the fragrance mix.
The sorbitan esters may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union. Ingredients of animal origin must comply with European Union animal by-products regulations.
Link to the EU Cosmetics Directive: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/cosmetics/html/consolidated_d...