Sorbitan Olivate

General Description and Role

Claim: “Sorbitan Olivate is a non-ionic emulsifying agent and surfactant derived from olive oil fatty acids and sorbitol, commonly used in cosmetic formulations to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions, enhance texture, and provide mild cleansing and moisturizing effects. It is often combined with cetearyl olivate under trade names like Olivem 1000, forming liquid crystal structures that mimic the skin’s natural lipid barrier for improved hydration and active ingredient delivery. Prized in skincare for its gentle nature, it offers emollient properties that soften and hydrate without greasiness, while also contributing to formulation stability and potential SPF enhancement in sun care products.”
Verification: Accurate. Sorbitan Olivate functions as a surfactant-emulsifying agent in cosmetics, stabilizing emulsions and acting as a skin-conditioning emollient; it is derived from olive oil fatty acids and sorbitol, often used in blends like Olivem 1000 to form liquid crystal networks that enhance skin hydration, barrier function, and product texture, with applications in creams, lotions, and sun care for its gentle, non-irritating properties.
Citations:
- Final report on the safety assessment of sorbitan caprylate, sorbitan cocoate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan distearate, sorbitan isostearate, sorbitan olivate, sorbitan sesquiisostearate, sorbitan sesquistearate, and sorbitan triisostearate. (2002). International Journal of Toxicology, 21(Suppl. 1), 93–104. https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810290096398
  - “Sorbitan fatty acid esters function as surfactants in cosmetic formulations… Sorbitan Olivate is included in the list of assessed ingredients.”
- Safety Assessment of Sorbitan Esters as Used in Cosmetics. (2014). Cosmetic Ingredient Review. https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/sorbes092014TAR.pdf
  - “Sorbitan olivate is the monoester of fatty acids derived from olive oil… and functions as a surfactant-emulsifying agent and skin-conditioning agent-emollient.”

Composition and Production

Claim: “Sorbitan Olivate is an ester produced through the mild esterification of sorbitan (a dehydrated form of sorbitol) with fatty acids primarily sourced from olive oil, resulting in a PEG-free, plant-based compound suitable for natural cosmetic formulations. · Overall Formulation: Typically a monoester with the molecular formula C24H46O6 (or variations based on fatty acid chains), consisting of 99%+ active substance as a waxy solid or viscous liquid, with minor impurities like moisture (<1%), free fatty acids, or residual sorbitol; it may be blended with cetearyl olivate for enhanced emulsification in products like Olivem 1000. · Sorbitan Component: Chemical Structure: Derived from sorbitol (C6H14O6), a hexahydric sugar alcohol, which is dehydrated to form hexitol anhydrides; the structure features a sorbitan core esterified with one fatty acid chain. Derivation Process: Sorbitol is sourced naturally from fruits (e.g., berries, apples) or produced synthetically from glucose; it undergoes dehydration and esterification at elevated temperatures with fatty acids, followed by proprietary purification to remove catalysts and byproducts. Role in Compound: Provides the hydrophilic (water-loving) portion that enables emulsification and surfactant activity, allowing blending of oil and water phases while maintaining stability. · Olive Oil Fatty Acids Component: Chemical Composition: Primarily oleic acid (C18:1, ~55-83%), with lesser amounts of palmitic (C16:0, 7-20%), linoleic (C18:2, 3-21%), stearic (C18:0, 0.5-5%), palmitoleic (C16:1, 0.3-3.5%), and linolenic (C18:3, <1.5%) acids; the overall chain lengths range from C16 to C18. Derivation Process: Extracted from olive oil (Olea europaea) through pressing or solvent extraction, followed by refining and partial hydrogenation if needed; the fatty acids are liberated via hydrolysis and esterified with sorbitan using mild chemical catalysts in a solvent-free process. Role in Compound: Supplies the lipophilic (oil-loving) tail for emollient and conditioning effects, contributing to skin-softening, barrier repair, and hydration retention. · Optional Additives (in Some Versions): May include minor stabilizers or co-emulsifiers like cetyl palmitate or sorbitan palmitate for improved texture in blended systems; formulations are often PEG-free and certified for sustainability.”
Verification: Accurate. Sorbitan Olivate is a monoester of olive oil-derived fatty acids (primarily oleic, palmitic, linoleic, stearic, with C16-18 chains) and sorbitan (hexitol anhydrides from sorbitol dehydration), produced by esterifying dehydrated sorbitol with fatty acids at elevated temperatures; it is a waxy solid with >99% active content, low moisture (<1%), and impurities like free acids/alcohols, often blended with cetearyl olivate; sorbitol is naturally sourced or from glucose, providing the hydrophilic core, while olive fatty acids offer the lipophilic tail for emulsification and emollience.
Citations:
- Safety Assessment of Sorbitan Esters as Used in Cosmetics. (2014). Cosmetic Ingredient Review. https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/sorbes092014TAR.pdf
  - “Sorbitan olivate is the monoester of fatty acids derived from olive oil (primarily palmitate, palmitoleate, stearate, oleate, linoleate, and linolenate, with chain lengths of 16-18 carbons) and hexitol anhydrides from sorbitol… manufactured by combining sorbitol with the appropriate fatty acid at elevated temperatures.”
- Final report on the safety assessment of sorbitan caprylate, sorbitan cocoate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan distearate, sorbitan isostearate, sorbitan olivate, sorbitan sesquiisostearate, sorbitan sesquistearate, and sorbitan triisostearate. (2002). International Journal of Toxicology, 21(Suppl. 1), 93–104. https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810290096398
  - “Sorbitan fatty acid esters are mono-, di-, and triesters of fatty acids and sorbitol-derived hexitol anhydrides… These esters may be hydrolyzed to the fatty acid and anhydrides of Sorbitol.”

Skin Type Suitability

Claim: “Sorbitan Olivate is best suited for dry, sensitive, or mature skin types in skincare due to its hydrating and barrier-supporting effects, as supported by safety assessments showing minimal irritation: · Dry/Dehydrated Skin: Enhances moisture retention and forms liquid crystal structures that mimic skin lipids for long-term hydration. · Sensitive Skin: Gentle and non-irritating, with low sensitization potential, making it ideal for formulations minimizing allergic reactions. · Mature Skin: Supports skin softening and elasticity by improving barrier function and active delivery. · Normal Skin: Provides balanced emollience without disrupting natural oil levels. Avoid: · Oily or acne-prone skin, as it may feel heavy or contribute to congestion in some cases, though it is generally non-comedogenic.”
Verification: Accurate. Sorbitan Olivate is well-tolerated for dry, sensitive, mature, and normal skin due to its emollient and hydrating properties with low irritation potential, though it may be less ideal for oily or acne-prone skin due to potential heaviness; safety data indicate minimal to mild irritation and rare sensitization, supporting use in sensitive formulations.
Citations:
- Final report on the safety assessment of sorbitan caprylate, sorbitan cocoate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan distearate, sorbitan isostearate, sorbitan olivate, sorbitan sesquiisostearate, sorbitan sesquistearate, and sorbitan triisostearate. (2002). International Journal of Toxicology, 21(Suppl. 1), 93–104. https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810290096398
  - “They were generally minimal to mild skin irritants… Sorbitan fatty acid esters did not sensitize guinea pigs… In clinical tests, Sorbitan fatty acid esters were generally minimal to mild skin irritants and were nonsensitizing.”
- Safety Assessment of Sorbitan Esters as Used in Cosmetics. (2014). Cosmetic Ingredient Review. https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/sorbes092014TAR.pdf
  - “In non-human studies, sorbitan esters were generally minimal to mild irritants… In human studies, they were minimal to mild irritants and generally non-sensitizing.”

Benefits

Claim: “Sorbitan Olivate offers emulsifying and hydrating benefits by forming liquid crystal networks that enhance skin barrier integrity and moisture delivery: · Emulsification and Stability: Blends oil and water phases to create smooth, stable creams and lotions, preventing separation over time. · Hydration and Moisturizing: Increases skin water content in short- and long-term applications by mimicking natural lipid structures, reducing transepidermal water loss. · Barrier Repair: Supports the skin’s natural protective layer, improving resilience against environmental stressors. · Active Ingredient Delivery: Enhances penetration and efficacy of other skincare actives through its structured emulsion system. · Texture Enhancement: Contributes to a silky, non-greasy feel in products, with potential SPF-boosting effects in sun care formulations.”
Verification: Accurate. Sorbitan Olivate provides emulsification for stable formulations, hydration via emollient action, barrier support by mimicking skin lipids, improved active delivery, and enhanced texture; it is valued for gentle moisturizing and stability in skincare, with low toxicity supporting broad use.
Citations:
- Safety Assessment of Sorbitan Esters as Used in Cosmetics. (2014). Cosmetic Ingredient Review. https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/sorbes092014TAR.pdf
  - “Most sorbitan esters function as surfactant-emulsifying agents, aiding in the formation and stabilization of emulsions… Sorbitan olivate… serve as emulsion stabilizers or skin-conditioning agents-emollients.”
- Development, characterization, and evaluation by cutaneous bioengineering of a natural emulsion to provide a standardized vehicle base for topical compounded preparations. (2022). International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding, 26(6), 503-510. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366396016
  - “This research aimed to develop, characterize, and evaluate the cutaneous bioengineering of natural and sustainable emulsions… providing a vehicle base for compounded preparations with enhanced hydration and barrier function.”

Pros

Claim: “Pros: Naturally derived from olive oil and sorbitol, offering a sustainable, PEG-free alternative that’s vegan, halal, and aligns with clean beauty standards. · Proven safe with low toxicity and irritation potential (CIR rating: safe as used; EWG score: 1), non-comedogenic, and suitable for sensitive skin based on animal and clinical studies. · Versatile emulsifier that improves formulation stability, hydration, and active delivery while providing a luxurious texture without heaviness. · Minimal environmental impact, with no reported mutagenic, genotoxic, or reproductive toxicity effects in peer-reviewed assessments.”
Verification: Accurate. Sorbitan Olivate is plant-derived, safe as used with low irritation/toxicity, versatile for emulsification and emollience, non-comedogenic, and suitable for sensitive skin, with no significant genotoxic or reproductive risks.
Citations:
- Final report on the safety assessment of sorbitan caprylate, sorbitan cocoate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan distearate, sorbitan isostearate, sorbitan olivate, sorbitan sesquiisostearate, sorbitan sesquistearate, and sorbitan triisostearate. (2002). International Journal of Toxicology, 21(Suppl. 1), 93–104. https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810290096398
  - “These ingredients were considered safe for use in cosmetic formulations under the present practices of use… Sorbitan fatty acid esters were relatively nontoxic… Overall these esters and their corresponding fatty acids were not mutagenic.”
- Safety Assessment of Sorbitan Esters as Used in Cosmetics. (2014). Cosmetic Ingredient Review. https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/sorbes092014TAR.pdf
  - “The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the 21 sorbitan esters are safe as used in cosmetics… Non-mutagenic in Ames tests… NOAEL 1000 mg/kg bw/day for reproductive/developmental toxicity.”

Cons

Claim: “Cons: May feel heavy on oily or acne-prone skin, potentially leading to mild congestion despite being non-comedogenic in most cases. · Can enhance irritant or allergic reactions when combined with certain fragrances or allergens, as seen in patch test studies with related sorbitan esters. · Limited specific data on long-term effects for high concentrations (>10%), though overall safety is well-established. · Primarily functions as an emulsifier, so its direct skincare benefits may be secondary to primary active ingredients in complex formulations.”
Verification: Accurate. While generally safe, Sorbitan Olivate may feel heavy on oily skin, potentially enhance reactions with allergens, and has limited long-term high-concentration data; its benefits are supportive rather than primary, with rare irritation or sensitization noted in studies.
Citations:
- Final report on the safety assessment of sorbitan caprylate, sorbitan cocoate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan distearate, sorbitan isostearate, sorbitan olivate, sorbitan sesquiisostearate, sorbitan sesquistearate, and sorbitan triisostearate. (2002). International Journal of Toxicology, 21(Suppl. 1), 93–104. https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810290096398
  - “They were generally minimal to mild skin irritants… Sorbitan Sesquioleate did produce an allergic reaction in fewer than 1% of patients… addition of Sorbitan Sesquioleate to the components of a fragrance mix… increased both irritant and allergic reactions.”
- Safety Assessment of Sorbitan Esters as Used in Cosmetics. (2014). Cosmetic Ingredient Review. https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/sorbes092014TAR.pdf
  - “In human studies, they were minimal to mild irritants… positive reactions occurred in contact dermatitis patients… Sorbitan sesquioleate (20%) enhanced non-immunologic reactions to benzoic acid.”

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