PEG-30 Sorbitan Tetraoleate

What is PEG-30 Sorbitan Tetraoleate?

PEG-30 Sorbitan Tetraoleate is a nonionic surfactant created by ethoxylating sorbitan tetraoleate with 30 moles of ethylene oxide. Sorbitan tetraoleate comes from sorbitol, a sugar alcohol, esterified with four oleic acid molecules from vegetable oils. This ingredient belongs to the PEG sorbitan ester family, commonly found in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics like lotions, creams, shampoos, and body washes. It works by lowering surface tension at the oil-water interface, forming micelles that emulsify oils into water-based formulas and enable gentle cleansing without stripping skin excessively. Its hydrophilic-lipophilic balance supports stable, uniform product textures.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 4 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Benefits

Stabilizes emulsions for smooth, consistent lotion and cream textures.

Facilitates effective cleansing in shampoos and washes by dispersing oils.

Helps create non-greasy formulations suitable for various skin types.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Users seeking stable, creamy moisturizers that blend well.
People sensitive to polyethylene glycol derivatives.
Those preferring foaming cleansers with mild surfactant action.
Those preferring completely PEG-free formulations.
Individuals with non-comedogenic product needs.
Users with known reactions to sorbitan esters.

Safety Notes

  • Rated moderate hazard by EWG due to potential impurities in PEG compounds.
  • Deemed safe by CIR for cosmetic use at typical concentrations.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-30 Sorbitan Tetraoleate

What does PEG-30 Sorbitan Tetraoleate do in products?

It acts as a surfactant to cleanse and an emulsifier to mix oil and water for stable textures.

Is it comedogenic?

It has a comedogenic rating of 0, indicating low likelihood of pore clogging.

Are there safety concerns?

EWG scores it 4 for moderate hazard, mainly from possible PEG impurities, but safe per CIR.