What Is Peg-20 Sorbitan Triisostearate?
Peg-20 Sorbitan Triisostearate is a liquid ingredient made by joining sorbitan, a sugar alcohol from corn or other plants, with isostearic acid from vegetable oils and then adding about twenty units of ethylene oxide. This process turns the raw materials into a mild, water-loving oil that works well in skin care and makeup.
The roots of this ingredient trace back to the 1950s when chemists looked for gentle helpers that could keep oil and water mixed. It belongs to the wider polysorbate family, which has been trusted for decades in creams and lotions.
To produce it, manufacturers first react sorbitol with isostearic acid to make sorbitan triisostearate. They then add controlled amounts of ethylene oxide in a closed vessel. The result is a clear to pale yellow liquid that dissolves in both water and oil, making it easy to use in many formulas.
You will most often find Peg-20 Sorbitan Triisostearate in moisturizers, sunscreens, cleansing balms, makeup removers, liquid foundations, BB creams, masks and hair conditioners. Its job is largely behind the scenes but it keeps these products smooth, stable and pleasant to apply.
Peg-20 Sorbitan Triisostearate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In beauty products Peg-20 Sorbitan Triisostearate serves one main purpose that delivers several payoffs for both the maker and the user.
As an emulsifying agent it binds oil and water into a uniform mix so lotions do not split, creams stay silky and makeup spreads evenly. A good emulsion also helps active ingredients reach the skin in a steady way which can boost performance while giving a lighter feel that absorbs without a greasy after-touch.
Who Can Use Peg-20 Sorbitan Triisostearate
This ingredient suits most skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily skin because it is light and non greasy. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well since it is considered mild, yet anyone with a known allergy to sorbitan or polyethylene glycols should avoid it.
Because Peg-20 Sorbitan Triisostearate is sourced from plant-derived sugars and vegetable oils it is generally acceptable for vegans and vegetarians, provided the finished formula contains no animal by-products.
No data suggest it poses a specific risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used topically at the low levels found in cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past a doctor just to be on the safe side.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also odorless and free of common fragrance allergens making it a good choice for fragrance-sensitive users.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Peg-20 Sorbitan Triisostearate can vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential side effects and is highly unlikely to reflect the typical user experience. Assuming the ingredient has been utilized correctly by the product manufacturer most users will not experience any negative effects.
- Skin irritation such as mild redness or stinging
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to polyethylene glycols or sorbitan compounds
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If you notice any of these reactions stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Peg-20 Sorbitan Triisostearate is a lightweight emulsifier that dissolves readily in both water and oil so it does not sit on the skin as a heavy film. Its molecular structure was designed to remain surface active rather than penetrate deeply into pores which lowers the chance of blockage. Formulas usually include it at low levels—typically under 5 %—further reducing any clogging potential.
Because of its very low rating it is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
One extra point: this ingredient often helps disperse heavier oils more evenly in a formula and that can indirectly lessen the pore-clogging effect of those richer ingredients.
Summary
Peg-20 Sorbitan Triisostearate acts mainly as an emulsifier keeping oil and water blended so creams stay smooth lotions do not separate and makeup glides on evenly. It does this by anchoring its water-loving side in the water phase and its oil-loving side in the oil phase forming tiny stable droplets throughout the product.
It is not the most famous name on an ingredient list but formulators reach for it often because it is dependable easy to incorporate and compatible with many actives.
Safety data and decades of use show it is low risk for irritation or sensitization when used at cosmetic levels. That said different skin types react in their own way so it is always smart to perform a quick patch test when trying any new product that contains Peg-20 Sorbitan Triisostearate.