Ingredient list › Sorbitan Oleate
Is Sorbitan Oleate comedogenic?
Sorbitan Oleate is an emulsifier that keeps oil and water mixed in a formula. Its comedogenicity rating is 3/5 — moderate pore-clogging risk.
Sorbitan Oleate has a moderate chance of clogging pores. Plenty of people tolerate it, but if you break out easily it is worth watching — particularly if it is one of the first few ingredients listed.
What is Sorbitan Oleate?
Sorbitan Oleate is an emulsifier that keeps oil and water mixed in a formula. On a product label it may also appear under names such as: sorbitan oleate.
Fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe? No — this is a common Malassezia (fungal acne) trigger, so avoid it if you have fungal acne. Check a whole product for fungal-acne triggers →
Acne-safe alternatives to Sorbitan Oleate
If Sorbitan Oleate breaks you out, these lower-rated emulsifier options are far less likely to clog pores:
- Cetearyl Glucoside — Acne safe · 0/5
- Polysorbate 20 — Acne safe · 0/5
- Hydrogenated Lecithin — Low risk · 1/5
- PEG-100 Stearate — Low risk · 1/5
- PEG-150 Distearate — Low risk · 1/5
How to read this rating
A comedogenicity rating is general guidance, not a lab result for a specific formula. An ingredient near the end of an ingredient list is present in a small amount, so its rating matters less than one near the top. Read our full sources & methodology.