Sorbitan Olivate

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about sorbitan olivate. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

How to read this page

Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews.

Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY^® uses.

Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly.

1. General Description and Role

Claim: Sorbitan olivate is an ester of sorbitan (from sorbitol) and olive oil fatty acids. With cetearyl olivate (sold together as Olivem^® 1000) it builds creams and lotions; on its own (Olivem^® 900) it makes rich water-in-oil balms. In ORY^® products, it helps create smooth, moisturizing textures.

Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that sorbitan esters, including sorbitan olivate, are safe in the present practices of use and concentration.

Citations:

- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of sorbitan esters as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(2 Suppl), 60S–80S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819871877
  - What it shows: CIR safety assessment of sorbitan esters (2019), including sorbitan olivate.

2. Composition and Production

Claim: Sorbitan olivate is made by esterifying sorbitan with olive oil fatty acids. It is a waxy, oil-soluble, non-ionic, PEG-free emulsifier that melts at about 55–60 °C.

Verification: Supported. Its chemistry is documented in the CIR report.

Citations:

- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of sorbitan esters as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(2 Suppl), 60S–80S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819871877
  - What it shows: Describes sorbitan esters.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Claim: Sorbitan olivate suits all skin types; its water-in-oil balms suit dry skin best.

Verification: Supported, with caveats. In a lab study, emulsifiers that form layered (lamellar) structures affected how well creams hydrated skin. This is a formulation effect, not a treatment; ORY^® products are not intended to treat eczema.

Citations:

- Savić, S., Lukić, M., Jakšić, I., Vuleta, G., Tamburić, S., & Müller-Goymann, C. C. (2011). An alkyl polyglucoside-mixed emulsifier as stabilizer of emulsion systems: The influence of colloidal structure on emulsions skin hydration potential. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 358(1), 182–191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2011.02.049
  - What it shows: Study of emulsion structure and skin hydration.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Claim: In haircare, sorbitan olivate helps build curl creams and rich hair balms.

Verification: Supported. This is a formulation role.

Citations:

- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
  - What it shows: Review of hair cosmetics.

5. Benefits

Claim: Sorbitan olivate helps create smooth creams and protective balms that help skin feel soft and moisturized.

Verification: Supported. Moisturizing creams and emollients help soften dry skin; the benefit comes from the whole formula.

Citations:

- Lodén, M. (2003). Role of topical emollients and moisturizers in the treatment of dry skin barrier disorders. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 4(11), 771–788. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200304110-00005
  - What it shows: Review of emollients and moisturizers.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Claim: Sorbitan olivate is used in ORY^® Skincare, Haircare, and Cosmetics, and in lotion and syndet bars.

Verification: Supported. It is not used in cold-process soap.

Product line	Typical level	How ORY^® uses it
Skincare	1–3% (in Olivem 1000); 3–8% alone	Creams, lotions, barrier balms, cold creams, and hand creams.
Haircare	1–5%	Curl creams and water-in-oil hair and scalp balms.
Handmade Soap line	3–10%	Lotion bars and syndet bars (not cold-process soap).
Cosmetics	1–5%	Foundations, cream blush, and lip balms.

Citations:

- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of sorbitan esters as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(2 Suppl), 60S–80S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819871877
  - What it shows: Reported uses.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
  - What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.

7. Pros

Claim: A plant-derived, PEG-free emulsifier with a CIR safety conclusion.

Verification: Supported. Supported by CIR review.

Citations:

- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of sorbitan esters as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(2 Suppl), 60S–80S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819871877
  - What it shows: Safety.

8. Cons

Claim: Sorbitan olivate costs more and gives a rich feel.

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

- Cost.
- Rich feel in water-in-oil balms; not for oily skin.
- “Soaping” (white streaks) in some creams; fatty alcohols help.
- Processing. Needs heating to about 75 °C.

Citations:

- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of sorbitan esters as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(2 Suppl), 60S–80S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819871877
  - What it shows: Safety.

9. Safety Notes

Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only.

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of sorbitan esters as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(2 Suppl), 60S–80S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819871877
  - What it shows: Safety conclusion.

10. Product-line notes

- ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY^® Haircare: Designed for the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss.
- ORY^® Handmade Soap line: This ingredient is not used in cold-process soap. Syndet, lotion, shampoo, and conditioner bars that contain it are cosmetics under FDA rules, not soap, and list all of their ingredients. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY^® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of sorbitan esters as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(2 Suppl), 60S–80S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819871877
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
- Lodén, M. (2003). Role of topical emollients and moisturizers in the treatment of dry skin barrier disorders. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 4(11), 771–788. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200304110-00005
- Savić, S., Lukić, M., Jakšić, I., Vuleta, G., Tamburić, S., & Müller-Goymann, C. C. (2011). An alkyl polyglucoside-mixed emulsifier as stabilizer of emulsion systems: The influence of colloidal structure on emulsions skin hydration potential. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 358(1), 182–191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2011.02.049

Government and regulatory sources

- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20

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Sorbitan Olivate

1. General Description and Role

2. Composition and Production

3. Skin Type Suitability

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

5. Benefits

6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines

7. Pros

8. Cons

9. Safety Notes

10. Product-line notes

11. References

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines