PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate

PEG / Ethoxylated
Benefits
Softening

What is PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate?

PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate is a synthetic nonionic surfactant created by reacting sorbitan laurate—a ester of sorbitol (a sugar-derived polyol) and lauric acid (a fatty acid from coconut or palm sources)—with about 80 units of ethylene oxide through ethoxylation. This process boosts its hydrophilic nature, making it highly soluble in water. It appears in rinse-off cleansers like shampoos and body washes, as well as leave-on watery products such as toners and sprays. In formulas, it lowers surface tension to lift dirt and oils via micelle formation for cleansing, disperses hydrophobic fragrances and oils into water phases for clarity, stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions by forming protective films at interfaces, and imparts a mild softening touch through its conditioning properties. Its versatility supports clear, stable, sensory-pleasing cosmetics across personal care categories.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 2-4 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Fragrance ingredient
Contributes scent character and/or masks base odors, shaping the overall sensory experience of the formula (subject to allergen and IFRA considerations).
Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Cleansing agent
Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.
Solubilizing agent
Helps incorporate oils and fragrance into water-based formulas by forming micro-solutions, enabling clear sprays, toners, and micellar products.
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

Delivers a softening feel to skin and hair during use.

Facilitates gentle cleansing by removing impurities effectively.

Stabilizes emulsions and solubilizes oils for uniform product texture.

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 of daily cleansers needing mild surfactant action.
People sensitive to ethoxylated compounds.
Individuals enjoying scented water-based products like toners.
Those avoiding PEG derivatives in routines.
Those preferring non-comedogenic ingredients in emulsions.
Individuals wary of potential manufacturing impurities.

Safety Notes

  • Deemed safe for cosmetic use by regulatory reviews when purified.
  • Low comedogenic potential suits most skin types.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate

What does PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate do in products?

It cleanses by forming micelles, emulsifies oils and water, solubilizes fragrances, and softens surfaces.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Generally low irritation as a nonionic surfactant, but patch test if concerned about ethoxylates.

Why is it used in shampoos and toners?

Its water solubility enables clear formulas, foaming, and stable blending of ingredients.